The Government Secretarial School, aiming to instill values of integrity and accountability in the future workforce, has partnered with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) through its Youth Against Corruption Initiative.

The school, dedicated to providing high-quality secretarial training to civil service and the public, welcomed the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)’s Youth Against Corruption Initiative, which focuses on educating trainees about the implications of corruption on society and the importance of countering corrupt practices from an early age.

“A key component of the training was a detailed presentation on whistleblowing and its significance in upholding transparency and accountability.”
Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)

This initiative focused on educating trainees about the impact of corruption on society and the importance of combating corrupt practices early on.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) officials conducted training sessions at the school, covering topics such as the role and functions of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), its specialized nature as an autonomous agency dedicated to fighting corruption, and the definition of corruption and related activities.

According to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the presentation highlighted whistleblowers’ critical role in ensuring ethical conduct and creating a responsible and accountable environment nationwide. It also provided insights into the various reporting mechanisms available at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

Trainees were also educated on the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)’s protection and reward schemes for individuals who assist the office in uncovering corruption and securing convictions, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) highlighted.

The collaboration between the Government Secretarial School and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has been well-received, with both students and teachers expressing interest in future interventions and collaborations.

The Work of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) took time to educate the trainees on the work it does.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is an independent specialized agency responsible for performing several key functions to combat corruption and corruption-related offenses in Ghana.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) stated that the office Investigates specific cases of alleged or suspected corruption or corruption-related offenses involving public officers and persons who have been entrusted with prominent public functions. This includes individuals in Ghana, foreign countries, international organizations, and those in the private sector involved in the commission of such offenses, it reiterated.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) noted that it prosecutes offenders involved in the commission of corruption and corruption-related offenses on the authority of the Attorney-General. This involves the initiation and conduct of the prosecution of corruption and corruption-related offenses.

Furthermore, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) pointed out that recovering the proceeds of corruption and corruption-related offenses is one of its core mandate. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is empowered to recover the proceeds of corruption and corruption-related offenses, thereby ensuring that the funds obtained through corrupt means are returned to the public.

“The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has the powers of a police officer under the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960, and under any other law. These powers include arrest, search and seizure, direct declaration of property and income, freezing of property, rendering orders for disclosure of funds and other assets, and protecting witnesses, victims, whistleblowers, and informants.”
Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)

According to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), it is not subject to the direction or control of any person or authority in the performance of its functions, except as provided in the Constitution. It may be requested by Parliament, in the public interest, to investigate alleged or suspected cases of corruption or a corruption-related offense involving public officers, politically exposed persons, or persons in the private sector.

This partnership represents a proactive approach to shaping a future workforce that prioritizes ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in the public sector.