Kissi Agyebeng: Defends OSP Performance In Ghana, Cites Statistics

• Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng challenged critics of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to dispassionately assess its performance against its mandate and resources.
• As of December 31, 2025, the OSP was actively prosecuting 33 individuals, conducting full investigations into 79 cases, and initiating preliminary inquiries into 161 matters.
• The OSP had secured seven convictions by the close of 2025, demonstrating tangible outcomes in its anti-corruption efforts.
• Agyebeng criticized calls for the OSP's abolition, arguing such demands are often driven by personal dislike rather than evidence of institutional failure.
• Despite ongoing criticism, the Special Prosecutor affirmed the OSP's resilience and commitment to its mandate, declaring a "rebirth" of the institution.

Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng firmly rejected assertions that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has accomplished little since its inception, directly challenging detractors to objectively evaluate the institution's performance record.

Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng firmly rejected assertions that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has accomplished little since its inception, directly challenging detractors to objectively evaluate the institution's performance record. Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday, August 26, Mr. Agyebeng contended that claims labeling the OSP as ineffective or advocating for its dissolution are unsustainable without a thorough and impartial assessment. Such an evaluation, he argued, must consider the OSP's operational scope, available resources, statutory mandate, and the inherent complexity of the cases it handles.

He further urged critics to undertake a dispassionate comparison between the OSP's output and that of other governmental bodies they might deem more efficient. This comparative analysis, according to the Special Prosecutor, should account for crucial differentiating factors, including the distinct mandates of each institution, their respective years of establishment, resource allocations, the intricacy of the legal matters addressed, and any prevailing legal constraints. Mr. Agyebeng expressed confidence that such an unbiased review would unequivocally demonstrate the OSP's commendable performance.

To substantiate the Office of the Special Prosecutor's ongoing impact, Mr. Agyebeng presented concrete statistics detailing its investigative and prosecutorial activities. As of December 31, 2025, the OSP was actively pursuing legal action against 33 individuals in various courts. Beyond these prosecutions, the office had 79 cases that had advanced to the full investigation stage, indicating significant progress in complex inquiries. Furthermore, an additional 161 cases were undergoing preliminary investigations, highlighting a robust pipeline of potential future enforcement actions.

These figures underscore the OSP's persistent engagement in Ghana's anti-corruption enforcement landscape. The Special Prosecutor also highlighted a tangible measure of success, reporting that the OSP had secured seven convictions by the close of 2025. This data, he emphasized, is publicly accessible, reinforcing the institution's commitment to transparency and openness regarding its operational achievements and challenges. The OSP's performance, he asserted, is not concealed from public scrutiny.

Mr. Agyebeng strongly condemned calls for the abolition of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, characterizing such demands as a misguided reaction. He argued that these calls often stem from personal animosity towards individuals occupying key positions within the institution, rather than being based on concrete evidence of misconduct or systemic institutional failure. The Special Prosecutor articulated that efforts to weaken or dismantle a public body specifically established to combat corruption, especially when driven by disagreements with its leadership, ultimately impede national development.

He underscored that attempts to undermine or dismantle a public institution dedicated to combating corruption, merely due to disagreements with its principal officeholders, do not contribute to national progress. Despite the persistent criticism and challenges, Mr. Agyebeng affirmed the OSP's unwavering resilience and its steadfast commitment to fulfilling its statutory mandate. He concluded his address by declaring a "rebirth" of the OSP, signaling a renewed determination to continue its vital work in the fight against corruption.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Ghana should note the Special Prosecutor's strong defense of the OSP's ongoing investigative and prosecutorial activities, indicating continued enforcement despite public criticism. This reinforces the need to advise clients on the persistent risk of OSP scrutiny and potential for enforcement actions, as the institution remains active and resilient.

Source: Original reporting via Emma Ankrah