The Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, has called for the protection of the autonomy of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), describing a recent High Court ruling as a threat to its independence.
Addressing the media in Parliament, Hon. Sulemana, who serves as Deputy Ranking Member on the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, expressed concern over a decision directing the Attorney General’s Department to take over prosecutions initiated by the OSP.
Hon. Sulemana questioned the basis of the ruling, arguing that a lower court should not interfere in matters already pending before the Supreme Court of Ghana.
“Can a subordinate court preempt the highest court of the land when a similar matter is already before it?” he asked, describing the decision as inappropriate and legally questionable.
The Minority maintained that Act 959, which established the OSP, remains valid and enforceable. They urged the Special Prosecutor to continue operations without being hindered by what they described as a ruling lacking jurisdiction.
The Caucus outlined three major steps to address the situation:
Immediate Appeal: The OSP should appeal the High Court ruling, seek a stay of execution, and file a writ of certiorari at the Supreme Court to overturn the decision.
Expedited Hearing: The Minority called on the Chief Justice to fast-track the case of Adamte v. Attorney General, citing its national importance.
Parliamentary Accountability: Plans were announced to summon the Attorney General before Parliament to justify his stance, which the Minority described as constitutionally unacceptable.
The Minority Caucus reaffirmed its full support for the OSP, insisting that all ongoing and future prosecutions by the office remain valid until the Supreme Court delivers a final ruling. “The Minority stands firmly with the OSP’s position,” Hon. Sulemana concluded. “The office must continue to operate in accordance with its statutory mandate.”
