By Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed government’s commitment to maintaining an effective Office of the Special Prosecutor with full prosecutorial powers, despite ongoing legal challenges questioning its constitutional authority.
Speaking at the 2026 May Day celebration in Koforidua on Friday, May 1, 2026, the President said government believes there is still room for the Special Prosecutor to operate effectively while issues surrounding its powers are being addressed in court.
He noted that some aspects of the dispute are currently before the courts for interpretation, but stressed that government remains committed to strengthening the anti-corruption body. According to him, the Attorney-General has already laid a bill before Parliament to provide legal backing for the establishment of regional tribunals to support the justice system and speed up prosecutions.
The President’s comments follow a recent High Court ruling directing the Attorney-General to take over the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s prosecutorial powers, insisting that the OSP must seek the Attorney-General’s permission before initiating any prosecution. The court also declared all cases previously prosecuted by the OSP null and void.
Beyond the legal matters, President Mahama used the occasion to highlight efforts to revive the economy and protect Ghanaian workers. He said government has made significant progress in restoring struggling state-owned enterprises, including bringing the oil refinery back into operation and recapitalising key financial institutions such as the Agricultural Development Bank and the National Investment Bank. He added that the Tema Shipyard and other state entities are gradually returning to efficient operations.
The President also called on the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and organised labour to remain vigilant and speak up against mismanagement in state institutions, warning that workers suffer the most when such entities collapse.
On infrastructure, he disclosed that government is considering adding the Western Rail Line to its “Big Push” programme to boost the transportation of minerals and cocoa, which he said would support economic growth.
President Mahama further outlined measures to improve worker welfare, including stricter factory inspections under the Occupational Safety and Health Special Task Force and the digitisation of labour compliance systems to prevent employers from bypassing regulations.
He also announced plans to expand access to healthcare by building and equipping more facilities, while encouraging workers to take advantage of health screening programmes and regularly check their health status.
To address unemployment, the President revealed that government has approved the recruitment of 20,000 teachers and nurses, as well as 40,000 security personnel between 2025 and 2028.
Reaffirming his administration’s anti-corruption stance, he said public officials must remain accountable, adding that the Public Office Code of Conduct Bill and a new asset declaration regime will soon be considered by Parliament.
President Mahama concluded by assuring Ghanaian workers that economic growth would translate into real benefits for them, stressing that prosperity must reach all levels of society.
“Workers of Ghana are the heart of this nation,” he said, adding that the country is being reset for a future of shared growth and opportunity.
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Source:
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