By Boakye Stephen, Journalist | Reporting from Kumasi for GhanaianNewsCanada
The Government of Ghana has approved plans to reintroduce special tribunals aimed at accelerating the prosecution of corruption and illicit wealth cases, in a move officials say will strengthen the country’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.
Government Communications Minister and Member of Parliament for Abura Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, revealed the decision during an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday.
According to him, Cabinet has endorsed the reintroduction of the tribunal system to address delays in the judicial process and ensure that corruption-related cases are handled more efficiently.
“Cabinet has approved the reintroduction of the tribunal system, which, in any event, is provided for in the Constitution,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated.
He explained that the tribunals will primarily focus on cases linked to the government’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, as well as investigations involving suspected illegal wealth.
The announcement comes amid growing pressure from anti-corruption advocates who have urged the government to accelerate investigations and prosecutions in corruption-related matters.
Responding to such concerns, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said significant progress has already been made under the supervision of the Attorney-General.
According to him, since assuming office last year, the Attorney-General has overseen investigations involving 27 dockets, while the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is currently examining about 40 additional cases.
He further indicated that anti-corruption operations have led to the arrest of more than 140 suspects, with assets worth approximately GH¢1.5 billion frozen or seized as part of ongoing investigations.
However, the minister emphasized that once cases reach the courts, the executive branch has no authority to determine the pace of proceedings.
“When a case goes to court, neither critics nor government officials can determine how a judge conducts the case,” he said, stressing the need to preserve judicial independence.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged longstanding public frustration over delays in Ghana’s judicial system but noted that reviving the special tribunal system forms part of broader efforts to improve the efficiency of corruption-related prosecutions.
Government officials believe the tribunals will help reduce case backlogs and strengthen the country’s efforts to recover illegally acquired public resources.
Analysis | By Boakye Stephen
The decision to revive special tribunals reflects a strategic attempt to confront one of Ghana’s most persistent governance challenges, corruption. While the seizure of assets valued at more than GH¢1.5 billion suggests that investigative agencies are actively pursuing suspected illicit wealth, the credibility of the initiative will ultimately depend on swift prosecutions, judicial transparency, and institutional independence.
In the past, anti-corruption efforts in Ghana have faced criticism due to prolonged legal proceedings and perceptions of political influence. If the proposed tribunals operate effectively and independently, they could significantly restore public confidence in the justice system, reduce court congestion, and reinforce the principle that public office must be accompanied by accountability.
