The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has come under heavy criticism following the mugshot releases of accused persons in the case: Republic v Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and 9 Others.

The OSP, on Thursday, July 17, released a mugshot accompanied by the caption:

“Update
Accused Mustapha Hamid and 9 Others will be put before the Criminal Division 3 of the High Court on Wednesday, 23 July 2025. All accused persons are currently on OSP inquiry bail.”

Though the office added a legal disclaimer stating that “all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty,” many Ghanaians on X say the damage to reputations may already be done.

“You see how you are tarnishing people’s high-end reputation with your allegations? May it be done to you and your entourage with interest one day,” one user, @Peekolo_, fumed on X (formerly Twitter).

@AbaenVandam questioned the necessity of the move:

“I honestly don’t see the need to put these pictures out here… I support ORAL 100, but not when you risk tarnishing the reputation of ‘innocent’ people with these sorts of actions.”

Another user, @MPKwarteng_, appeared to support the OSP’s approach,

“Be firm and do not bow to undue pressure from any quarter… Prove your critics wrong, for once.

Yet another user, @AbaenVandam, questioned the necessity of the move:

“I honestly don’t see the need to put these pictures out here… I support ORAL 100, but not when you risk tarnishing the reputation of ‘innocent’ people with these sorts of actions.”

A post from @ForTheRecordsGh read, “MUGSHOTS? Tag a lawyer or a judge you know to explain this to you better.

“The team would like to take inspiration from provisions related to privacy, dignity, and the rights of accused persons.”

The release of the mugshots has sparked divided opinions online, with many questioning the ethics behind publishing images of accused persons who are yet to be convicted.

While a section of the public urged the OSP to remain firm and transparent, others called for more caution to avoid damaging reputations.

AS/AE

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