By: Ashiadey Dotse
Minister responsible for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has confirmed that ten petitions filed against Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng and Electoral Commission (EC) Chair Jean Mensa, along with her two deputies, have been sent to Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for review.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Wednesday January 14, 2926, Kwakye Ofosu said the President’s role in these matters ends once the petitions are forwarded to the Chief Justice.
He indicated that the President has no role beyond conveying the petitions to the appropriate quarter, which in this case is the Chief Justice. He also stated that the Office of the President cannot comment further until the Chief Justice determines whether the petitions meet the threshold for a prima facie case.”
Of the ten petitions, seven target the EC leadership, while three concern the Special Prosecutor. The complaints against the EC focus on accountability and management issues, while those against the Special Prosecutor raise allegations of incompetence and abuse of office.
Under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act 2017 (Act 959), the Chief Justice has 30 days to decide if there is enough evidence to establish a prima facie case. If so, a three-member committee is set up to investigate and submit recommendations to the President, who is required to act on the findings.
Kissi Agyebeng has been Special Prosecutor since 2021, taking over from Martin Amidu. His office has received both praise for promoting accountability and criticism over perceived lapses, including allegations of allowing high-profile figures to leave the country while under investigation.
