The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns that attempts by the government to remove Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng undermine the Mahama administration’s commitment to fighting corruption.
The caucus highlighted that the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) budget request has reportedly been cut by 50 percent, suggesting a lack of government will to tackle corruption.
Debating the 2026 budget estimates for the OSP on Wednesday, December 3, Deputy Ranking Member on the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, Hassan Tampuli, claimed the head of the investigative body has become a target.
“We’ve removed the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Next on the agenda is the removal of the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa. Something is happening in this country, Mr Speaker. If we are minded to fight corruption, we should be hesitant in the way and manner we attack offices of accountability. These bodies were created to be fearless, independent, and to prosecute their business without looking over their shoulders,” he said.
Tampuli further expressed concern over the slashed budget.
“Mr Speaker, it is becoming very difficult for the OSP to function. I am saddened that even the amount the OSP requested to prosecute its business for 2026 has been reduced by almost 50 per cent. I do not know what the plan is, but if we take out the Special Prosecutor, what becomes of the office? Are we going to appoint an NDC person to occupy it? The arrowhead of the office has become a target. What is his crime?” he asked.
However, Majority Chief Whip Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor dismissed the allegations.
“Mr Speaker, the fluidity of government business must not suffer when untruths are recorded in the Hansard. There is no way the government is pursuing anyone out of office. Citizens have the right to petition, and such petitions do not amount to removal. So don’t make that suggestion,” he stated.
He emphasised that Parliament was approving the budget estimates for the Office of the Special Prosecutor, not for the Special Prosecutor personally.
“This attempt to malign the government at the slightest opportunity must be countered,” he added.
