The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is calling for stronger legal powers to help authorities investigate unexplained wealth, illicit assets and suspected corruption as part of efforts to intensify Ghana’s fight against corruption.
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has proposed expanded powers for the OSP and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to conduct comprehensive lifestyle audits and recover assets that cannot be linked to legitimate sources of income.
According to the Special Prosecutor, individuals who possess assets that are significantly disproportionate to their known lawful earnings should be required to account for how the wealth was acquired.
OSP Proposes Lifestyle Audits for Unexplained Wealth
Kissi Agyebeng argues that assets suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means should be subject to asset recovery and confiscation where their legitimate source cannot be established.
The proposal forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s anti-corruption framework, improve financial accountability and prevent public officials and other individuals from benefiting from unexplained wealth.
Under the proposed system, authorities would be able to examine a person’s lifestyle, property and financial position to determine whether their assets are consistent with their legitimate income.
Reverse Burden of Proof Proposed in Corruption Cases
The Special Prosecutor is also advocating for a reverse-onus or reverse burden of proof provision in cases involving unexplained wealth.
Under such a framework, individuals whose wealth or property substantially exceeds their known legitimate income would be required to explain the lawful source of those assets.
The proposed measure is aimed at strengthening anti-corruption investigations, asset tracing and recovery of illicit wealth while making it more difficult for individuals to conceal assets obtained through unlawful means.
Judicial Oversight to Protect Citizens’ Rights
Kissi Agyebeng stressed that the proposed lifestyle audit and asset confiscation framework would operate under judicial oversight.
He clarified that the proposal should not be interpreted as giving the OSP or EOCO unrestricted authority to seize property or confiscate assets without due process.
Instead, any measures involving the recovery or confiscation of unexplained wealth would be subject to appropriate legal safeguards and court supervision.
The proposals are expected to contribute to Ghana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen corruption prevention, financial transparency, accountability, illicit asset recovery and enforcement of anti-corruption laws.
Source: newsthemegh.com