The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has criticised Ghana’s existing legal framework, describing it as inadequate for effectively combating corruption.

Samuel Appiah Darko, Director of Strategy, Evaluation, and Communication at the OSP, highlighted the pressing need for more robust and efficient anti-corruption legislation.

Speaking at a forum held in Accra on Thursday, 14th November, Mr. Appiah Darko emphasised the importance of strengthening current laws to tackle corruption more effectively.

"Ghana is a country with many laws, but they are not efficient," he remarked. Mr. Appiah Darko expressed reservations about the Conduct of Public Officers’ Bill, explaining that he is relieved it has not yet been enacted.

According to him, in its present form, passing the bill would only result in it becoming a “white elephant” that would fail to address the key corruption issues.

He specifically pointed out weaknesses in the legislation, particularly about the acceptance of gifts.

Unlike countries like the UK, where MPs are prohibited from accepting gifts worth more than £300, Ghana’s Conduct of Public Officers’ Bill does not specify any clear limits.

Mr. Appiah Darko argued that this lack of detail makes the law fragmented and ineffective in tackling corruption in the country.