A lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UNIMAC), Tanko Zakaria Mussah, has stated that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) began its operations on a controversial footing due to early challenges surrounding funding and capacity.

Speaking in an analysis on governance and accountability, Mr. Mussah recalled that the former Special Prosecutor, Mr. Martin Amidu, publicly called for adequate financial backing and retooling of the office in order to effectively carry out its mandate, a move that sparked widespread public debate.

According to the UNIMAC lecturer, the calls for resources were necessary but exposed deeper structural weaknesses in Ghana’s approach to fighting corruption. He explained that establishing an independent anti-corruption body without sufficient logistical, financial, and human resource support undermines its credibility from the onset.

Mr. Mussah noted that the early struggles of the OSP created public skepticism and provided ammunition for critics who questioned the relevance and effectiveness of the office.

Tanko Zakaria Mussah emphasized that for the OSP to achieve meaningful results, governments and Parliament must demonstrate genuine political will by ensuring consistent funding and institutional independence.

He argued that accountability institutions cannot thrive in an environment where they are set up to fail.