Fiapre: The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has successfully recovered GHC4 million in corruption proceeds, contributing to a total savings of GHC135 million for the national purse since its inception, according to Madam Cynthia Anima Boadu, Bono Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Boadu revealed that the OSP had suspended transactions worth GHC970 million, with 25 individuals currently facing trials for corruption-related offenses and seven convictions already secured. The Office has also raised awareness among approximately 22 million people nationwide regarding its activities. This information was shared during a stakeholder session at Fiapre in the Sunyani West Municipality, aimed at enhancing public understanding of the OSP Law (Act 959), its mandate, and operational framework.
The event was organized by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), European Union (EU), and the Swiss government. Attendees included Assembly Members, local chiefs and queens, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and civil society actors and organizations.
Madam Boadu highlighted the impact of the OSP in combating corruption in the nation and stressed the importance of citizen involvement by reporting suspected corruption cases. She emphasized that addressing corruption, a significant barrier to national development, requires a collective approach. Citizens were encouraged to utilize the Whistleblower Act and report any suspected incidents of corruption to the OSP.
Established in 2018, the OSP is a specialized independent anti-corruption agency mandated to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offenses. It serves as the primary enforcer of the nation's anti-corruption laws and is the sole state agency authorized to carry out criminal prosecution of such offenses. The agency is tasked with recovering proceeds of corruption and implementing preventive measures.
Madam Boadu also called for an attitudinal change among citizens, expressing hope that everyone would contribute to combating corruption and safeguarding the national purse.
Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of the GACC, later informed the media that the sensitization was part of a project titled 'Strengthening the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption.' She emphasized the need for active citizen participation and strong political will from successive governments to effectively combat corruption. Mrs. Narteh urged citizens to commit more to the fight against corruption and highlighted the importance of understanding the OSP's mandates and activities to support its efforts.
During an open forum, participants commended the OSP and encouraged it to expedite the prosecution of corruption-related offenses.