Amanda Clinton warns executive gatekeeping is the real danger in OSP crisis
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Legal practitioner Amanda Clinton has stated that the primary threat from the constitutional dispute over the Office of the Special Prosecutor OSP is not a legal technicality, but rather the risk of executive gatekeeping undermining Ghana's anti-corruption framework. Speaking on TV3 on April 21, 2026, Clinton acknowledged that the law appears to position the OSP as subordinate to the Attorney General, a stance she expects the Supreme Court to affirm. However, Clinton emphasized that her deeper concern lies in the practical implications of channeling prosecutorial power through a political appointee who is part of the Cabinet and has political affiliations. She questioned whether such an individual would hold corrupt associates accountable or protect them, likening the situation to George Orwell's Animal Farm and warning of a shift from institutional independence to dependence. Clinton also highlighted a long-standing structural concern regarding the fusion of the Attorney General's Department with the Ministry of Justice, which she believes concentrates too much power. She clarified that her concerns are not specific to the current administration but apply to any government, as the structural issue predates and outlives any single presidency. Clinton urged the Supreme Court to consider the spirit behind Article 88 of the Constitution and the creation of the OSP, not just the letter of the law, warning that a narrow interpretation could set Ghana's anti-corruption efforts back
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Public and private institutions in Ghana that use the Ghana Card for identity verification have been given a three-month transition period to comply with new biometric verification requirements under Legislative Instrument LI 2533. The Minister of the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed, announced on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, that organizations have from July 27 to November 2, 2026, to implement the necessary systems, infrastructure, and staff training. During this period, institutions are expected to establish protocols to implement LI 2533. The Minister emphasized that this transition is for orderly implementation and does not suspend or waive any obligations under the policy. Under LI 2533, organizations can no longer rely on photocopies, scanned images, or visual inspection of the Ghana Card for identity verification. Instead, they must authenticate individuals through biometric verification against the national identification register or by using National Identification Authority-approved smart card devices. The Minister urged various institutions, including banks, telecommunications companies, hospitals, schools, insurance firms, and government agencies, to onboard onto the National Identification Authority's Identity Verification System Platform. Non-compliant organizations after the transition period face sanctions, including penalties and suspension of access to the national identity verification platform. These reforms aim to strengthen Ghana's national identity syst
Nana Gyan Aka VI, Chief of Salma in the Ellembelle District, has publicly supported the government's decision to permanently revoke the mining leases of Adamus Resources Limited. Speaking at a press conference on July 22, 2026, Nana Gyan Aka VI refuted claims that Salma youth back Adamus, stating the community wants the company to leave due to alleged illegal activities and lack of development. He identified individuals defending Adamus in a publication as imposters. The government revoked Adamus's leases in May 2026 over allegations of transferring concessions to Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining. While Adamus's CEO, Angela List, petitioned for reconsideration, an independent committee is reviewing the matter, and an Interim Management Committee is supervising operations. The President of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Council and Paramount Chief of Atuabo, Awulae Blay IX, also supports the revocation, citing Adamus's long history of illegal activities and failure to undertake development projects in the Ellembelle District. Salma's chief and other traditional leaders are united in their call for Adamus to exit, urging the government to find a new, responsible investor to develop the community.
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has disavowed any involvement in the ongoing prosecution of Prince Aboagye, the National Democratic Congress NDC Branch Organiser for Agona West Constituency. Aboagye was arrested for alleged offensive remarks made against Dr Bawumia. In a statement, Dr Bawumia, who is the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party NPP, clarified that he neither lodged a complaint nor sanctioned the prosecution of Aboagye or any other citizen for their speech. He emphasized his belief that offensive speech should be met with better speech and truth, not state power or legal action. Dr Bawumia has called on the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General to discontinue the prosecution and release Aboagye, stating that Ghana's democracy is strengthened when citizens can speak freely without fear. Meanwhile, an Accra Circuit Court granted Aboagye bail in the sum of GH垄200,000 with three sureties, but he remains in police custody after failing to meet the bail conditions. Police reported that Aboagye was arrested on July 19, 2026, after a video circulated on TikTok showing him allegedly making offensive and insulting remarks against Dr Bawumia, including accusations of murder, theft, and extramarital affairs. Aboagye reportedly admitted to making the statements during his caution statement.