Ghana’s Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has revealed that he never actively sought or lobbied for his position, describing himself as a reluctant occupant of the role. According to him, the appointment was placed upon him rather than being something he pursued.
Speaking at the One Ghana Movement’s Annual Constitutional Day Lecture in Accra on February 28, Agyebeng shared that accepting the job required significant personal sacrifices. He explained that before assuming office, he led an active and social lifestyle, but the nature of his work has forced him to forgo many personal pleasures. He noted that his new reality involves heightened security risks and restrictions on activities he once enjoyed.
Despite his commitment to tackling corruption, Agyebeng expressed concern about the reluctance of Ghanaians to fully support the fight. He lamented that while the public demands action against corruption, there is often strong resistance whenever real efforts are made. He pointed out that his office faces continuous opposition, including targeted attacks and smear campaigns aimed at discrediting his work. He further highlighted that individuals opposed to his efforts would go to great lengths, even to the extent of endangering lives, making the job not only difficult but also perilous.
As a result, Agyebeng stressed the urgent need for institutional reforms to strengthen the fight against corruption. He called for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to be entrenched in Ghana’s constitution to safeguard its independence and shield it from political influence. He argued that the focus should not be on individuals occupying the office but on ensuring the institution is built to endure beyond any single tenure.
To enhance anti-corruption efforts, Agyebeng proposed incorporating anti-corruption education into school curricula to instill integrity from a young age. He also advocated for the establishment of specialized anti-corruption courts to expedite the prosecution of corruption-related cases.
Despite the numerous obstacles, he remains hopeful that with the right reforms, Ghana can make meaningful progress in combating corruption and building stronger institutions.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
