Justice at Stake: Prof. Oquaye Criticizes OSP Practices, Bail Policies
Former Parliament Speaker, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, has warned that having more than one body responsible for prosecutions in Ghana could create legal problems and weaken the justice system. Speaking on Channel One TV’s “The Point of View” on December 15, he questioned whether the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has been effective after four years and stressed that the 1992 Constitution gives the Attorney-General the exclusive power to start and handle criminal cases. Prof. Oquaye said straying from this rule could result in convictions being overturned on technicalities. He also criticized some prosecutorial practices, like asking defendants to post bail with personal property, which could disadvantage poorer people. He suggested that strengthening the Attorney-General’s office, instead of setting up multiple prosecuting bodies, would better protect justice. His comments come as Parliament debates whether to repeal the OSP law, though the Majority recently pulled back a bill to eliminate the office after a request from President John Dramani Mahama.
