Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr Yusif Sulemana, the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, has supported President John Dramani Mahama’s request to withdraw the Private Members’ Bill seeking to abolish the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
He described the president’s move as an “expression of opinion” rather than an attempt to control Parliament.
“I strongly agree with the president that it is premature. And that is far from directing Parliament or directing the majority,” he said during an interview with a section of the media in Parliament House, Accra.
Mr Sulemana, also a Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, emphasized that the bill, introduced by Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader, and Mr Nelson-Rockson Dafeamekpor, the
Majority Chief Whip appeared to be an emotional reaction.
He said, “You could see that there was some emotional reaction. He is the president, and we all know he does not react to emotions.”
The Bole-Bamboi legislator called for a careful review of the OSP’s activities, urging lawmakers to examine the office’s impact and effectiveness.
“Let us pause. Let us examine the details and find out whether the OSP is meeting its objectives. We should assess how much has been spent so far and the outcomes achieved,” he said.
President Mahama sparked controversy in Parliament after requesting the Majority Leader and Chief Whip to withdraw a bill seeking to repeal the OSP Act.
The bill, introduced by Mr Ayariga, the Majority Leader, and Mr Dafeamekpor, the Majority Chief Whip, on Thursday, December 4, aimed to return full prosecutorial authority over corruption cases to the Attorney-General, citing structural and constitutional challenges, duplication of functions, and high operational costs.
However, President Mahama on Thursday, December 11, urged patience, emphasizing the OSP’s critical role in promoting transparency and good governance.
“The Office of the Special Prosecutor plays a critical role in our anti-corruption agenda, and my government remains committed to supporting and strengthening it,” he said.
Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the presidential spokesperson, confirmed the President’s request and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening institutions tasked with fighting corruption through a statement issued on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Mr Habib Iddrisu, the First Deputy Minority Whip and a New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Tolon, in his reaction on the Floor of Parliament on Thursday, criticized the President’s move, accusing the Executive of trying to control Parliament.
He said, “Mr Speaker, the Executive wants to control Parliament. Now the President is dictating to Members of Parliament. When the Majority Chief Whip and the Majority Leader intended to file a Private Members’ Bill, the President told them to repeal it. Why? Mr Speaker, the Executive has no authority to dictate what happens in Parliament.”
The OSP is Ghana’s premier anti-corruption agency, empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption cases involving public officials and private individuals.
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