Vice President of IMANI Africa Kofi Bentil has called for greater support for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), urging the passage of stronger laws to enhance its effectiveness in combating corruption.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, March 8, he stressed that history has proven that corruption cannot be tackled without robust legal backing and political commitment.
Mr. Bentil emphasized that Ghana’s progress hinges on strengthening institutions rather than seeking immediate perfection.
Strengthen laws
“One way to support the Special Prosecutor is to pass critical laws. Ninety-nine percent of those threatening him are politically exposed persons, and the OSP must deal with them. Corruption often stems from political ambitions, and passing the right laws can prevent it before it even starts,” he stated.
He likened nation-building to military service, stressing the need for collective sacrifices.
“Just as young men join the army and risk their lives for the country, we must also do our best to support institutions like the OSP.”
Mr. Bentil advocated for expanding the OSP’s mandate, improving its security, and ensuring it has the necessary resources to operate independently.
Reflecting on Ghana’s history with corruption, he noted that despite numerous commissions of inquiry and military coups, corruption remains deeply entrenched.
“At 68 years as a nation, we’ve had about 50 corruption-related commissions of inquiry and five military coups in the name of fighting corruption. Yet, we don’t seem committed to genuinely addressing the issue. Since establishing the OSP in December 2018, what real change have we seen?” he questioned.
Drawing comparisons with older democracies like the United States, Britain, and France, Mr. Bentil urged Ghanaians to focus on institution-building over time rather than expecting overnight results.
“The U.S. is 250 years old and still grappling with issues like Donald Trump today. We need perspective. Ghana is still young in comparison. Perfection won’t come overnight, but by strengthening our institutions, we can make lasting progress,” he stressed