Special Prosecutor set to deploy covert agents to repress election malpractices

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has announced the deployment of covert and investigative agents nationwide prior to, during, and following the December 2024 elections to monitor, suppress, and repress election malpractices. 

In its Half Yearly Report, issued on July 11, 2024, the OSP cautioned people in charge of vote counting at polling locations, collation centers, and during election results transmission to operate with integrity.

The report stated that knowingly fabricating vote accounts or filing fraudulent returns is a serious offense. The OSP, which is authorized by anti-corruption directives, seeks to protect the integrity of elections by preventing, controlling, and repressing corruption, fraud, and unfair practices. 

This jurisdiction derives from section 79 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) and sections 256 and 258 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

"No person is permitted to influence the outcome of the elections through corrupt means," the report stated, highlighting that intimidation and impersonation are illegal.

It further advised against influencing voter behavior by using threats of harm or impersonating voters or electoral officers. 

The public was also informed that anyone found guilty of these activities would face a seven-year voting ban, as well as being forbidden from holding public office or running for President or Member of Parliament.

Source : Florence Kyei /Lead News Online