The dramatic push to abolish the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has hit a major roadblock, as Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga announced a potential U-turn on his proposed Private Member’s Bill seeking its repeal.
The sudden shift follows a formal request from none other than President John Dramani Mahama. Ayariga, who had already seen the bill-co-signed by the Majority Chief Whip, cleared by the parliamentary Committee on Private Members’ Bills, confirmed the President’s intervention on the floor of Parliament today.
Speaking on Friday during the presentation of the Business Statement for next week, Mr. Ayariga acknowledged President Mahama’s statement on Thursday, urging him to reconsider the move.
Also read: ACEP strengthens media to enhance oversight of Ghana’s industrial minerals
In a display of unwavering loyalty and confidence, the Majority Leader told the House: “Two heads are better than one. His Excellency the President also has thoughts about it, and I add mine to his. I believe together we can find a better way of managing the situation.”
He emphasized his absolute faith in the President’s leadership: “If I didn’t believe in his wisdom, I wouldn’t have voted him to be President. On the basis of the request made by His Excellency the President and my colleague, the Majority Chief Whip, I want to assure you that we will reconsider our decision.”
Ayariga’s assurance came after a demand from Deputy Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu, who accused the President of trying to gag members of Parliament for considering the potential scrapping of the anti-graft office.
However, the Speaker had previously weighed in, reminding Members of Parliament about the legislature’s ultimate power to review or abolish any state institution if a strong case is made.
The proposed repeal has already generated an intense public debate, with civil society groups, anti-corruption crusaders, and legal minds demanding transparency about the motivations driving the initiative.
Mr. Ayariga’s indication of a possible retreat marks a significant shift in the parliamentary saga, suggesting the OSP, an office critical to the country’s anti-corruption architecture, may have just received a stay of execution thanks to the highest office in the land.