The former aspiring parliamentary candidate for Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alexander Arkuokoh, has called for calm and strict adherence to legal processes amid ongoing public debate over the powers of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Speaking in response to recent criticisms on Kessben Maakye show, Ackuorkoh stressed that the NDC remains committed to listening to concerns and acting appropriately, contrary to claims that the party is unresponsive.
He disputed remarks by Nana Frimpong Ziega, Kessben Resident Analyst, suggesting the party is “stubborn” and unwilling to listen, insisting that stakeholders must allow due process in interpreting issues involving the OSP and the Attorney-General (A.G.).
“We should allow the laws to work,” he emphasized, urging patience as legal interpretations unfold through the appropriate institutions.
Ackourkor acknowledged that it can sometimes be challenging for the Attorney-General to prosecute government appointees, which, he noted, underscores the importance of the OSP. However, he maintained that the legal framework governing prosecutorial authority must be respected.
Citing Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution, he explained that the Attorney-General is the sole authority with overarching prosecutorial powers. According to him, any move to allow the OSP to share those powers would require a constitutional amendment.
“If we want the OSP to share that power, then Article 88 must be amended to clearly define and allocate that responsibility,” he stated.
He further criticized what he described as the growing tendency of legal practitioners to publicly interpret issues in ways that favor their positions, arguing that such actions often confuse the public.
Ackourkor called on Ghanaians to await a definitive ruling from the Supreme Court before drawing conclusions, adding that the fight against corruption must be pursued deliberately and within the confines of the law.
He also reiterated a long-standing proposal to separate the Office of the Attorney-General from the Ministry of Justice, arguing that such a move would enhance independence and ensure impartial execution of its mandate, regardless of the government in power.
The debate over the OSP’s prosecutorial authority continues to generate public interest, with legal experts and political actors offering divergent views as the nation awaits judicial clarity.
