MPs descend heavily on OSP for swallowing huge resources for nearly 8 years with zero convictions

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has come under intense scrutiny from Members of Parliament (MPs) over its effectiveness nearly eight years after its establishment.

During discussions on the OSP’s budget on March 28, MP for Effia, Isaac Boamah Nyarko, questioned the office’s impact despite receiving substantial public funds.

He pointed out that while the OSP has fewer than 250 staff, its compensation costs amount to GH¢1.8 million, with over GH¢140 million allocated in previous years for operations and capital expenditure.

Nyarko further criticized the OSP’s failure to secure a single conviction and highlighted that the office, mandated to retain 30% of recoveries, has not met expectations.

MP for Manhyia South, Baffuor Agyei Awuah, also condemned the OSP for straying from its core anti-corruption mandate, arguing that it has focused on cases outside its jurisdiction while neglecting government accountability issues raised by the Auditor General.

The MPs called for a comprehensive review of the OSP’s performance to ensure value for money and proper adherence to its primary mandate.