Legal Affairs Committee engages OSP, Copyright Office, and EOCO

The Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs has paid working visits to three key justice sector institutions to assess their operations and challenges. The tour forms part of the Committee’s oversight responsibilities under the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General’s Department.

Led by Chairman Hon. Mahama Shaibu, the Committee’s first stop was the Office of the Special Prosecutor, where the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, and his team presented a candid account of the limitations confronting the anti-corruption body.

According to Mr. Agyebeng, the OSP continues to face significant hurdles due to limited budgetary allocations, particularly in critical areas such as security infrastructure, procurement of specialized vehicles, and competitive salaries to attract and retain highly skilled professionals.

He also advocated for a constitutional reform to replace Chapter 24 of the 1992 Constitution with a provision that presumes corruption in unexplained wealth cases, a move he believes will enhance Ghana’s anti-graft legal framework.

From the OSP, the Committee proceeded to the Copyright Office, where Principal State Attorney and Head of the Office, Mr. William Akwetey Bonsu, highlighted the need for technological advancement and legislative reviews. He stressed that the current copyright registration system is outdated, making it difficult to track and protect intellectual property effectively. He further proposed amendments to the Fees and Charges Act and requested increased funding to ensure that the Office could meet its regulatory obligations.

Deputy Ranking Member of the Committee, Hon. Sulemana Tampuli, in his response, encouraged the Copyright Office to explore innovative digital solutions to enhance its services and boost internal revenue.

The Committee concluded its tour at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), where Acting Executive Director Mr. Raymond Archer identified critical issues undermining EOCO’s performance. He listed challenges such as limited operational funds, inefficiencies in the confiscation and management of seized assets, and the absence of a formal condition of service for staff, which continues to affect morale and productivity.

Mr. Archer appealed to Parliament for institutional support to build EOCO’s capacity and improve its working environment, noting that the office plays a key role in combating financial and organised crime.

In his closing remarks, Committee Chairman Hon. Mahama Shaibu commended the institutions for their openness and reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised. He assured that the Committee would engage the Ministry of Justice and other relevant government bodies to secure the necessary resources and policy interventions to enhance the effectiveness of the institutions visited.

He emphasized that the Committee’s oversight role goes beyond legislation and includes advocacy for improved institutional performance across Ghana’s legal and regulatory space.