Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and MP for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, on Thursday joined the national debate over whether the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has served its intended purpose or should be scrapped altogether, calling for sober reflection guided by the rule of law rather than partisan interest.

Parliament on Thursday held a spirited debate on the relevance and constitutionality of the OSP, which has recently come under intense public scrutiny.

Speaking during and after the discussions, Mr Jinapor said the moment presented “an important opportunity to reflect on the principles that informed its establishment and the direction in which we must proceed as a country committed to the rule of law.”

Mr Jinapor recalled that the OSP, established under President Akufo-Addo’s administration, was an honest attempt at strengthening Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture.

“The goal was to establish a dedicated institution focused on the rigorous investigation, unravelling and prosecution of corruption,” he said, noting that the model was not unique to Ghana and has been adopted in several other jurisdictions.

However, he admitted that critical questions remain unanswered nearly eight years after its creation — particularly whether the Office has fulfilled its mandate and whether its prosecutorial powers are constitutionally grounded.

Addressing claims by the Majority Caucus that the OSP is unconstitutional and ineffective, the Damongo MP said if the governing side genuinely believes the Office should be abolished, they have the power to do so.

“This is a Government with a commanding Parliamentary majority, and if they truly believe the Office should be abolished, they have the means to act rather than deliver extended public lectures on the subject,” he stated.

Mr Jinapor warned that Ghana must be careful not to treat the law as a tool for political expediency, stressing that institutional credibility depends on consistency.

“When concerns are raised only when the interests of certain political actors are affected, it undermines public confidence and gives the impression that the law serves convenience rather than justice,” he cautioned.

He emphasised that Ghana’s democracy is strengthened only when justice is applied impartially.

He therefore urged Parliament and the wider public to uphold the principles of fairness and constitutionalism as the debate over the OSP continues.

“Let us remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law, ensuring that justice is applied fairly, consistently, and without fear or favour, for it is in this that the strength of our democracy truly lies,” he said.

Earlier, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mahama Ayariga, had indicated that the Office of the Special Prosecutor must be scrapped. Here is his submission on the floor.