Office of the Special Prosecutor asserts Supreme Court's sole authority to declare Acts of Parliament unconstitutional
via GhanaWeb2 min read
The Office of the Special Prosecutor OSP has affirmed that only the Supreme Court can declare parts of an Act of Parliament unconstitutional, following a High Court ruling that challenged the OSP's prosecutorial mandate. A High Court General Jurisdiction 10 recently ruled that the OSP lacks independent prosecutorial authority and directed that a pending criminal case be referred to the Attorney-General. In response, the OSP stated on April 15, 2026, via its official Facebook page, that the High Court does not have the jurisdiction to make such a determination. The OSP is taking steps to overturn this ruling, describing it as exceeding the High Court's powers. This development arises from the "rice scandal case" Republic v. Issah Seidu & 3 Others, where two High Courts have presented differing views on the OSP's role. While the High Court Criminal Division had previously dismissed an application to strike out the case and adjourned proceedings pending a Supreme Court decision on the OSP's prosecutorial authority, the High Court General Jurisdiction 10 declined an OSP adjournment request and ruled against its mandate. The OSP assures the public that its ongoing and future prosecutions remain valid under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 Act 959, as the matter has not been decided by the Supreme Court.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Kofi Tonto, an aide to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has alleged that Dennis Miracles Aboagye's arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office EOCO is politically motivated. Tonto claims the arrest of the NPP communicator stems from his criticism of the government. This follows supporters of the New Patriotic Party NPP storming EOCO offices to demand Aboagye's release. Aboagye, a former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation IMCCoD, was arrested as part of investigations into alleged misappropriation of approximately GH垄55 million at the Secretariat. EOCO states the investigation, which also involves former IMCCoD Accountant Gerald Appiah, is based on alleged financial and procurement irregularities and aims to ensure accountability. The NPP maintains Aboagye is being unfairly targeted due to his outspoken criticism of the government.
Must ReadDennis Miracles Aboagye, an aide to New Patriotic Party flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, was escorted by officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office EOCO to his Larteh Akuapem residence. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial and procurement irregularities totaling GH垄55 million that occurred during his tenure as former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation. Aboagye was granted bail for GH垄50 million with three sureties, two of which must be justified, conditions his legal team described as challenging. EOCO has not publicly disclosed the reason for the visit to his residence, which is part of a broader investigation involving Aboagye and another appointee.
Must ReadKofi Okyere-Darko, Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, announced the Ghanaian government's intention to launch a Diaspora National Service. This initiative aims to strengthen connections with Ghanaians living abroad and leverage the experiences of diaspora students for national development. Speaking at the maiden Ghana Diaspora Students Forum, Okyere-Darko explained that the program is designed for young people of Ghanaian descent raised abroad, particularly those preparing for university. The plan involves these individuals spending two months in Ghana to connect with the country's culture, institutions, and way of life before entering higher education. He clarified that the objective is not to compel every diaspora student to return immediately after graduation, but rather to ensure Ghana remains a part of their professional journey, enabling them to contribute to the country's development regardless of their location. Okyere-Darko emphasized the importance of creating channels for the expertise of Ghanaian graduates from leading global universities to benefit Ghana.