The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in Ghana’s upcoming 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, warning of severe consequences for individuals and groups engaging in corrupt practices.
In a press release issued on December 2, 2024, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, outlined the office’s strategic deployment of its anti-corruption mandate.
The statement emphasized that the OSP is fully prepared to prevent, control, and repress corruption, fraud, and other unfair practices that could compromise the electoral process.
“The OSP admonishes all officers charged with the counting of votes at the polling stations, collation centres, and the transmission and publication of the outcome of the elections that it is a grave offence to wilfully falsify the account of the votes or make a false return of the votes”.
Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor,
The statement cautioned that any willful falsification of vote accounts or submission of false returns constitutes a grave offence, asserting that the sanctity of the 2024 general elections depends on the integrity of the processes and the individuals who oversee them.
It also pointed out that any deviation from this responsibility will attract the full weight of the law, urging electoral officers and all electoral stakeholders to act in accordance with the country’s electoral rules and regulations.
Prohibition of Electoral Malpractices
In its effort to deter malfeasance, the OSP reminded the public that acts such as vote buying, vote selling, voter impersonation, and intimidation are strictly prohibited under Ghanaian law.
The office also highlighted that threats or acts of violence aimed at influencing the election process are punishable offences. The statement served as a reminder of the broader implications of such acts, noting that electoral corruption undermines democracy and the collective will of the people.
The OSP reassured Ghanaians that it is fully alive to its mandate and will respond decisively to any reports of corrupt practices. Citizens were encouraged to report incidents of corruption and malfeasance to the OSP to ensure prompt investigation and resolution.
“The Office will promptly address any occurrence of corruption, fraud, or unfair practices in the elections that comes to its notice,” the release emphasized. The release is likely to resonate across political, civil, and electoral stakeholders as the country prepares for a highly anticipated election season.
The OSP’s proactive approach aligns with widespread calls for credible elections and reinforces its position as a critical watchdog in Ghana’s fight against corruption.
The move by the OSP underscores the importance of vigilance and adherence to legal and ethical standards in the electoral process.
With heightened expectations for a transparent and peaceful election, the OSP’s warning sets a tone of accountability and reinforces its zero-tolerance stance on electoral malpractice.
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