OSP officials behaving like ‘Tin Gods,’ acting outside legal bounds- COPEC Secretary

Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Duncan Amoah, has launched a scathing critique of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), accusing some of its officials of operating with an inflated sense of authority and humiliating suspects during investigations.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Saturday, April 18, Mr. Amoah alleged that certain officers at the anti-graft body act as though they are above the law, particularly in their handling of individuals summoned for questioning. He described their conduct as an unacceptable breach of due process.

“A couple of people in there are behaving as though they are tin gods. If you invite somebody to come for questioning or interrogation and you end up insulting their dignity… that is wrong,” he stated.

While acknowledging the legal mandate of investigative bodies to interrogate suspects, Mr. Amoah stressed that such powers must be exercised with unwavering respect for human dignity and the fundamental principles of a fair trial.

“The law is clear—if there is a case against someone, proceed accordingly. Give the person a fair hearing, allow access to legal representation, and if found guilty, let the law take its course,” he emphasised.

The COPEC boss went further to question the allocation of significant public funds to the OSP, suggesting that those resources might be more prudently directed toward job creation and public sector salary payments.

“It appears we are quick to establish institutions and assign funds without fully assessing efficiency,” Mr. Amoah added, urging a more prudent approach to governance and resource management.

His remarks follow a recent ruling by the General Jurisdiction Division 10 of the High Court in Accra, which directed the Attorney-General to assume control of all criminal prosecutions initiated by the OSP. The court also nullified ongoing prosecutions by the office and awarded costs of GH₵15,000 against it, effectively stalling several high-profile cases.