Source: newsthemegh.com
A warning about an alleged plot by certain recently promoted lawyers has been sent to the Special Prosecutor (OSP) by senior and highly experienced legal professionals.
The warning points to a scheme to undermine the OSP’s anti-corruption activities by routinely rejecting most of the cases that are presented to them.
At a news conference on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor, voiced concerns with the courts’ apparent dismissal of corruption accusations.
Notably, an OSP report alleging former Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) officers Joseph Adu Kyei and Col Kwadwo Damoah of giving Labianca Company special tax treatment was recently dismissed by a High Court.
The OSP was fined GH₵10,000 by the court, and a restraining order was issued to stop the two from being the subject of any additional inquiries.
Mr. Agyebeng noted a pattern of judges dismissing OSP cases, and if this tendency persists, he warned of grave ramifications for the anti-corruption movement.
He disclosed that he had been advised by seasoned attorneys that judges particularly those who have recently moved from private practice to the bench—may take offense at public criticism.
These attorneys allegedly expressed concern that if the OSP continued to produce media releases, judges might band together and dismiss all of the office’s cases.
Mr. Agyebeng underlined that he would never interfere with the judiciary and that he would always respect the law.
He emphasized the grave implications that may arise if the judiciary and the OSP were thought to be at odds, especially when it came to combating corruption.
Mr. Agyebeng emphasized the risk of giving people protection from inquiry and prosecution in regard to the Labianca case verdict.
He cautioned that such rulings can incite people who are the subject of criminal investigations to bring legal action to stifle investigating and prosecution agencies, thus hindering the battle against corruption.
The Special Prosecutor stressed the seriousness of the case and hinted that it might establish a precedent in which people who are charged with major crimes ask for injunctions to stop the police from looking into and prosecuting them.