Ghana's Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng recently explained how his office serves as the primary defense against corruption that has limited national progress for many years. During his speech at the Annual Constitution Day lecture held by One Ghana Movement and UPSA School of Law, he described the Office of the Special Prosecutor as essential despite facing numerous criticisms since its creation.
Mr. Agyebeng suggested the office should become part of Ghana's constitutional structure to protect its independence from political pressure. He explained that the office's current attributes and powers make it well-positioned to address corruption problems effectively. He urged people to focus less on him personally and more on creating lasting institutions since his term will eventually end like anyone else's.
The Special Prosecutor pointed out that several improvements would help make his office more effective for its intended purpose. He recommended strengthening its independence and expanding its authority to fight corruption better. These changes would help protect the anti-corruption agency from political attempts to weaken or punish it for doing its job properly.
Mr. Agyebeng highlighted a contradiction he observes in public attitudes toward fighting corruption. He noted that citizens generally express support for addressing corruption issues, yet practical support remains lacking. He summarized this disconnect by stating that everyone wants the Special Prosecutor to perform his duties, but nobody actually wants him to carry out those same responsibilities when it affects them.
Mr. Agyebeng suggested the office should become part of Ghana's constitutional structure to protect its independence from political pressure. He explained that the office's current attributes and powers make it well-positioned to address corruption problems effectively. He urged people to focus less on him personally and more on creating lasting institutions since his term will eventually end like anyone else's.
The Special Prosecutor pointed out that several improvements would help make his office more effective for its intended purpose. He recommended strengthening its independence and expanding its authority to fight corruption better. These changes would help protect the anti-corruption agency from political attempts to weaken or punish it for doing its job properly.
Mr. Agyebeng highlighted a contradiction he observes in public attitudes toward fighting corruption. He noted that citizens generally express support for addressing corruption issues, yet practical support remains lacking. He summarized this disconnect by stating that everyone wants the Special Prosecutor to perform his duties, but nobody actually wants him to carry out those same responsibilities when it affects them.
