The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has rejected proposals suggesting that his office's anti-corruption mandate be transferred to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).

Agyebeng asserts that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) should remain the primary institution in Ghana responsible for addressing corruption.

During his address at a forum held by the Constitutional Review Committee, Mr. Agyebeng described as "misguided" the calls to abolish the OSP and delegate its duties to CHRAJ.

The OSP has faced criticism from some quarters, with claims that it overlaps with the roles of the Attorney General and other investigative bodies. Dr. Michael Ayamga Adongo, an economist from the University for Development Studies (UDS), is among those who have criticized the OSP, arguing that it is failing to make meaningful progress in fighting corruption and related offenses.

In addition, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), has advocated for the dissolution of the OSP, suggesting that the anti-corruption body has been ineffective in its mandate.

However, Mr. Agyebeng is adamant in his defense of the OSP’s role.

"I’ve heard suggestions that CHRAJ should take over this responsibility. Let me be clear, that won’t work. CHRAJ should remain focused on its human rights mandate while the OSP continues its work as the leading institution for combating corruption," he stated.

Mr. Agyebeng warned that disbanding the OSP would severely undermine Ghana’s progress in tackling corruption, noting that the current system, where the OSP handles corruption issues, CHRAJ deals with human rights, and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) addresses economic crimes, has proven successful since the OSP’s inception in 2018.

"This system works well. CHRAJ collaborates closely with the OSP, while EOCO addresses economic crimes," Mr. Agyebeng said. "Our experience since 2018 has shown that this approach is effective."

The OSP, established in 2018, is an independent institution created to fulfill Ghana's obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The office is tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, recovering illicit assets, and preventing corruption.

As of April 28, the OSP reported on its official website that it has successfully prosecuted four cases, recovered over GHS 3 million, and saved the country more than GHS 135 million.