The Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, Rockson Dafeamakpor, has defended his role in the controversial private member’s bill that sought to repeal the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) Act, insisting the move was intended to strengthen Ghana’s anti-corruption framework rather than weaken it.

The bill, jointly sponsored by Mr Dafeamakpor and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, was later withdrawn following public backlash and a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, which the sponsors said they promptly honoured.

The proposed repeal sparked strong criticism from civil society groups and political actors, including the General Secretary of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on December 17, Mr Kwetey criticised the Majority leadership, stressing that while their parliamentary roles are significant, they do not give them unilateral authority over sensitive policy decisions.

“They are not an island. They’re operating as part of the party. So major decisions have to be made in consultation with the party,” he said, even as he acknowledged their overall performance in Parliament.

Responding to the criticism, Mr Dafeamakpor admitted that broader consultation should have taken place before the bill was introduced.

However, he maintained that the initiative was driven by a desire to improve the effectiveness of Ghana’s anti-corruption institutions.

“In hindsight, I agree that we could have consulted better, but our actions were directed at strengthening anti-corruption institutions or the fight against corruption,” he said.

Mr Dafeamakpor also argued that Ghana’s anti-graft fight must go beyond symbolism and the mere existence of laws.

“I believe the fight against corruption should not exist on paper but should be practicalised, and the OSP appears to be existing on paper, while other offices like EOCO and the Attorney-General are actively fighting,” he added, emphasising the need for tangible results in the country’s anti-corruption efforts.