Mary Addah, Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), has raised critical concerns about Ghana’s ongoing fight against corruption, stressing that structural and constitutional challenges continue to hinder progress.
Speaking on recent developments in the anti-corruption space via zoom interview on Kessben TV’s Digest show, Madam Addah described the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) call for constitutional protection as “laudable,” noting that such a move could help safeguard its independence and effectiveness.
However, she pointed out a fundamental limitation within Ghana’s legal framework: the Attorney General (AG) remains the sole authority mandated to prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the state.
According to her, this arrangement creates a conflict of interest, particularly when cases involve individuals within government circles.
“The difficulty for the Attorney General to prosecute its own people remains a major bottleneck in the anti-corruption fight,” she emphasized.
Madam Addah also highlighted the operational challenges faced by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). She explained that CHRAJ is burdened with three major mandates — anti-corruption, administrative justice, and human rights — which significantly stretches its capacity and limits its effectiveness in tackling corruption comprehensively.
She further noted that Ghana’s political system itself poses challenges, often making it difficult for institutions to take bold and independent decisions without interference.
Referencing recommendations from the Constitutional Review Committee, Madam Addah recalled proposals for the establishment of an independent Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. Such a body, she said, would be dedicated solely to addressing corruption and related offences, thereby improving efficiency and accountability.
On the role of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, she cautioned that without full prosecutorial authority, the office risks being handicapped in pursuing cases to their logical conclusion.
“Without absolute prosecutorial powers, the OSP will continue to face limitations in effectively dealing with corruption cases,” she noted.
As Ghana continues to grapple with corruption, Madam Addah’s remarks underscore the urgent need for institutional reforms, stronger legal backing, and greater political will to ensure a more effective and independent anti-corruption framework.
