Enhancing Public Awareness on the Office of the Special Prosecutor
In Tamale, a significant event took place as the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) partnered with the Centre for Communities Education and Youth Development (CCEYD) to host a stakeholders’ sensitisation and training workshop. The primary goal of this initiative was to raise public awareness and understanding of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) Act, 2017 (Act 959). This workshop was part of broader efforts aimed at strengthening the rule of law and encouraging greater citizen participation in the fight against corruption, particularly at the local level.
The workshop focused on improving knowledge about the OSP’s mandate, powers, and operations among key stakeholders. These included youth groups, civil society actors, and representatives from local governance. Mr Solomon Yanka, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at GACC, highlighted that this event was part of a two-year project titled: “Strengthening the Rule of Law and the Fight against Corruption.” This project is being implemented by GACC to enhance the effectiveness of key state institutions in combating corruption.
Mr Yanka noted that many citizens remain unaware of the existence, functions, and procedures of the OSP. As a result, they lack the confidence or knowledge to report corruption-related offences. He emphasized that although the OSP has played a vital role in investigating and prosecuting such cases, Ghana’s performance in the fight against corruption remains unsatisfactory. According to available data, there is limited public awareness regarding anti-corruption laws and the institutions tasked with enforcing them.
The project also aims to promote collaboration among anti-corruption actors within the criminal justice chain. It seeks to strengthen the use of digitalization to enhance transparency and accountability. Mr Yanka further stated that GACC will continue to engage citizens and institutions through education, dialogue, and advocacy to ensure collective action in curbing corruption across the country.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability
Mr Abu Ibrahim, Executive Director of CCEYD, emphasized the importance of the sensitisation in promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in public life. He argued that sustainable development and social justice can only thrive in an environment free from corruption. Mr Ibrahim stressed that empowering communities with the right information is critical in fostering ethical leadership and civic responsibility.
He added that increasing public awareness of the OSP Act would encourage citizens to boldly report corruption-related cases. By empowering communities with information, amplifying citizen voices, and promoting ethical leadership, he believes that public trust in governance can be restored. Mr Ibrahim commended GACC and its partners for their consistent efforts in promoting good governance and urged participants to become ambassadors of integrity within their communities.
Youth Engagement and Civic Responsibility
Mr Fuseini Musah, the Speaker of the Sagnarigu Municipal Youth Parliament, praised the organizers for the workshop, describing it as timely and impactful. He pledged to share the knowledge gained with his colleagues and the wider public, especially the youth, to strengthen civic awareness and promote collective responsibility in the fight against corruption.
The sensitisation workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including youth leaders, civil society representatives, media practitioners, and local governance actors. All expressed a strong commitment to promoting accountability and transparency at the grassroots level.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop
- The workshop aimed to increase public awareness about the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) Act, 2017 (Act 959).
- It sought to improve knowledge of the OSP’s mandate, powers, and operations among key stakeholders.
- Many citizens remain unaware of the functions and procedures of the OSP, which hinders their ability to report corruption.
- The project promotes collaboration among anti-corruption actors and emphasizes the use of digitalization to enhance transparency.
- Participants, including youth leaders and civil society representatives, committed to promoting accountability and transparency at the grassroots level.