Supreme Court admits application by 14 CSOs to join case challenging constitutionality of OSP

The Supreme Court has admitted an application by 14 Civil Society Organisations to join the ongoing case challenging the constitutionality of the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

The substantive case, filed by private citizen Noah Adamtey, questions whether some powers exercised by the Office of the Special Prosecutor are consistent with provisions of the 1992 Constitution.

The Civil Society Organisations seeking to join the case include Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, Transparency International, IMANI Africa, One Ghana Movement, Africa Centre for Energy Policy, Star Ghana, Odikro and Parliamentary Network Africa.

Counsel for the applicants led by Kizito Beyuo in moving the motion for leave to file processes and to be joined to the suit, argued that the Civil Society Organisations played instrumental roles in the establishment of the OSP and can therefore assist the court in determining issues raised in the suit.

He intimated that, the outcome of the case could have major implications for Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture and the broader fight against corruption.

Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai did not oppose the motion.

The 7-member panel of Justices chaired by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie granted the applicants leave of 14 days to file their processes.

He intimated that he hoped the conclusion of the matter will provide a lasting solution in the issues relating to the powers of the Office of the Special Prosecutor.