Audio By Carbonatix Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called on Ghanaians to demand a constitutionally independent public prosecutor to protect the country’s anti-corruption framework. The CSOs said the recent court ruling, which ordered the takeover of all Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) cases and declared its prosecutions invalid after the Attorney-General’s move to challenge the constitutionality of the OSP’s prosecutorial powers, could reverse gains made in holding public officials accountable and weaken public trust in governance. They stated that the situation had already enabled political interference and limited the effective prosecution of corruption cases involving those in power. This was contained in a statement issued by the CSOs, including the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), IMANI Africa, and nine others, last Monday. Demand The CSOs urged Ghanaians to insist on removing prosecutorial authority from political control and embedding it firmly in the Constitution. The groups maintained that an independent prosecutor would ensure impartial handling of corruption cases, especially those involving politically exposed persons. “It is important that citizens do not shirk their responsibility to hold governments accountable for the use of the taxpayers' money and the power of the state,” the statement read. The CSOs traced the demand for an independent prosecutor to over two decades of public advocacy and policy reform efforts. They explained that Ghanaians had consistently called for separation between political leadership and prosecutorial authority due to a conflict of interest. “For over two decades, Ghanaians have made it clear that they want an independent public prosecutor, separate from the Attorney-General, to prosecute crimes generally,” the statement said. Risk The CSOs added that the country risked returning to a system where governments influenced prosecutions if authorities failed to protect the independence of anti-corruption institutions. The groups pledged to support legal efforts to defend the OSP and urged sustained public vigilance to ensure transparency and accountability in public life. DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Tags: Corruption CSOs OSP Public prosecutor DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Related to this story NPP calls on CSOs, global community to safeguard Ghana’s democracy I voted for change, but where is it? – Senyo Hosi questions gov’t over failed anti-corruption drive Hard work no longer means anything – Senyo Hosi slams political leadership over corruption ORAL promise under fire as Senyo Hosi says Ghanaians are losing faith in leadership I love the OSP but it has become a costly office with little return – Dafeamekpor OSP needs constitutional backing to ensure independence — Dafeamekpor OSP still independent despite AG oversight — Dafeamekpor OSP needs Attorney General’s nod to prosecute, says Majority Chief whip Court pauses Boateng Adjei trial pending ruling on OSP’s prosecutorial authority 12 CSOs seek to join Supreme Court OSP case as amicus curiae Latest Stories Photos: Mahama meets Eastern Regional Chiefs, reaffirms commitment to development agenda4 minutes CSOs demand independent public prosecutor to strengthen anti-corruption fight5 minutes Mahama calls for stronger collaboration with chiefs to curb land-related conflicts17 minutes KATH CEO blames “no bed syndrome” on abandoned infrastructure projects24 minutes McDan calls for stronger protection of Ghanaian businesses38 minutes WFP to fund ultra-modern grain warehouse in Tamale to boost food security40 minutes Mining firms to face penalties over illegal activity on concessions – EPA41 minutes McDan urges Ghana to move from raw exports to value addition48 minutes Ghana’s reset agenda anchored on financial health — Finance Minister51 minutes Macroeconomic gains must reach ordinary Ghanaians – McDan58 minutes My constituents sent me back to pass the bill – Sam George vows to push anti-LGBTQI bill1 hour Sammi Awuku challenges Ghana Maritime Authority over response to MV Sankofa RTI request1 hour Beyond Bread: Why a stomach-driven life is the silent enemy of achievement1 hour CSIR-IIR calls for stronger research–industry collaboration at BI-ARIM1 hour Ga Mantse invites GETFund boss to address worsening school infrastructure in Ga State1 hour