The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has called for sweeping reforms at the Attorney-General’s Department, citing what it describes as growing ineffectiveness in the country’s fight against corruption.
Secretary-General of the GFL, Abraham Koomson, made the call while expressing concern about the current state of anti-corruption efforts in Ghana. According to him, the situation has reached a point where decisive action is needed to restore public confidence in key state institutions responsible for prosecuting corruption-related offences.
Mr. Koomson argued that although the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) was a step in the right direction, its impact has been limited due to leadership challenges. He suggested that the issue is not with the structure of the anti-corruption framework, but rather with how it is being managed.
He specifically pointed to what he described as a lack of decisive prosecutorial action, noting that delays and perceived inaction in handling corruption cases are undermining the credibility of the system. This, he warned, is gradually eroding public trust in the country’s anti-corruption institutions.
The GFL leader also raised concerns about the ongoing tensions between the Attorney-General’s Department and the Office of the Special Prosecutor, describing the situation as counterproductive to the national interest.
His comments follow a recent ruling by the Accra High Court which clarified that the OSP does not possess independent prosecutorial authority and must refer criminal cases to the Attorney-General’s Department. The ruling has reignited debate among stakeholders about the independence and effectiveness of the OSP and the broader anti-corruption architecture in Ghana.
Despite his criticisms, Mr. Koomson acknowledged that the creation of the OSP remains a positive initiative. However, he stressed that leadership changes and institutional reforms are necessary to ensure that the office and the Attorney-General’s Department can effectively deliver on their mandates.
The GFL is therefore urging government to take bold steps, including possible reshuffles, to strengthen the fight against corruption and restore confidence in the justice system.
