Special Prosecutor starved of Funds, gets only Ghc 10million instead of Ghc1 bn
The situation has left the office cash-strapped according to the report after a pledge by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta to release some GHC170 million out of the requested amount ended in the release of only GHC10 million.
A JoyNews report has revealed that the Akufo-Addo government has virtually abandoned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to destitution with the government releasing a paltry Ghc10million out of Ghc1billion that the OSP has budgeted for its operations.
“The OSP is said to have made a request for the approval of a GHS1 billion budget to set up the office, build a cyber-security and forensic lab, cells to keep suspects and purchase other logistics,” Myjoyonline indicated.
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The situation has left the office cash-strapped according to the report after a pledge by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta to release some GHC170 million out of the requested amount ended in the release of only GHC10 million.
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Meanwhile, JoyNews also reports that the OSP still does not have a governing board in place because the President has not inaugurated one as required by law.
Per the Office of Special Prosecutor Act 2017 and Act 959, the board is to formulate policies for the OSP and to ensure proper and effective performance of the functions of the Office, advise the Special Prosecutor on the recruitment and selection of various staff among other duties.
However, without this, the Special Prosecutor will be unable to function.
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The Board is to consist of the Special Prosecutor, the Deputy Special Prosecutor, one representative each from the Audit Service, the Ghana Police Service, Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), Financial Intelligence Centre, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), a person nominated by the Minister for National Security, and one other person who is a female representing the Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organizations.
The board will then elect a person other than the Special Prosecutor or Deputy Special Prosecutor from among themselves as Chairperson of the Board.
The President is then required to inaugurate the board members nominated by the institutions in accordance with Article 70 of the Constitution.
Source: whatsupnewsghana
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