Former Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelevo has voiced his concerns regarding President Akufo-Addo's establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to combat corruption and related offenses.

He emphasized that merely creating additional institutions does not guarantee success in the fight against corruption; rather, it requires a commitment from leadership, with ultimate responsibility resting with the President.

During an interview with Kemenni Amanor on Hot Issues on Sunday, March 17, Domelevo suggested merging the OSP and the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to enhance the effectiveness of the corruption fight.

“It is not the number of institutions that we have which will help us do the work. I find it also a bit even disturbing that anytime mister A is not able to do his work, we set up mister B. If mister B too is not able, we put in mister C, so we keep creating several institutions,” Daniel Domelevo said.

“We have several investigative and financial intelligence units and now we have the OSP. If it is not working, what else are we going to have? Are we going to continue building several institutions, or will we just strengthen the institutions on the ground, mandate them properly, and ensure that they deliver on their mandate?

“I am of the view that if there was a need for bringing in any other institution, we first look at the existing institution and see the missing link, whether it is the legislation, so those powers could be given to existing institutions,” he added.

The former Auditor-General also emphasized that establishing multiple independent bodies, much like corruption itself, deprives citizens of the benefits of public funds. He suggested that such actions amount to "engaging in wasteful expenditure."

“So, if you are creating too many institutions which are not delivering, you are being wasteful,” he said, adding, “In fact, in South Africa, their law refers to it as wasteful and fruitless expenditure, so if you continue creating a fruitless and wasteful expenditure, it is as bad as corruption.”

He explained that using the public purse in such a manner deprives it of serving the public interest, which is its intended purpose.

Additionally, the former Auditor-General refuted claims of being overage and due for retirement, as well as allegations of being born in Togo and therefore not being a Ghanaian.

When questioned about whether he would accept a reappointment from former President John Mahama if he wins the 2024 general elections, Domelevo replied, "When we get to the river, we will cross it."