Kissi Agyebeng calls for constitutional reforms to fight corruption in Ghana

Ghanaian Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has called for significant constitutional and financial reforms to strengthen the nation’s fight against corruption. Speaking at the National Anti-Corruption Dialogue in Accra, Agyebeng argued that anti-corruption bodies like the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) require constitutional protection to ensure their independence from political influence.

A key component of his proposal is the entrenchment of non-conviction based asset recovery in the Constitution. Agyebeng stated that requiring a criminal conviction before recovering unexplained wealth is “putting the cart before the horse.” He also advocated for a reverse onus clause, which would require individuals with wealth disproportionate to their lawful income to explain the source of their assets.

Furthermore, Agyebeng emphasized the need for financial autonomy, warning that budgetary restrictions could undermine the effectiveness of these institutions. He noted that proposals for a dedicated funding mechanism for anti-corruption bodies have already been submitted to Parliament for consideration.