Lawyer Martin Kpebu prepares petition for removal of Special Prosecutor
A prominent Ghanaian lawyer, Martin Kpebu, has publicly announced that he is preparing a formal petition seeking the removal of the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng. The move comes after what Kpebu describes as a loss of confidence in the ability of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to effectively handle high-profile corruption investigations.
Kpebu’s disquiet appears to stem from the decision by the Special Prosecutor to allow a key suspect to leave the country. He claims that the suspect, identified as former Finance Minister Ken Ofori‑Atta, departed despite what Kpebu terms as a critical opportunity to detain him. Kpebu argues that this inaction alone undermines the credibility of the OSP and calls into question its commitment to justice.
According to Kpebu, key agencies within the state intelligence community deny having received any letter or request tied to the case — a claim previously made by the Special Prosecutor. He indicates that he possesses a witness who once worked at the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and says the witness will testify that no such letter was ever filed or intercepted. This contradiction, he insists, will form a core part of the petition for removal.
Kpebu also challenges the recent charges filed by the OSP as insufficient and selective. He argues that the pattern of investigations, arrests, and prosecutions lacks consistency and appears influenced by political considerations rather than fair application of justice. He warns that continued inaction may erode public trust in state institutions charged with fighting corruption.
In addition, Kpebu has joined calls from other civil society groups and concerned citizens for immediate reform of the OSP. Some have demand that either the leadership be replaced or the office completely dissolved if it fails to fulfill its mandate. A planned protest under the banner “Agro Ne Fom” is scheduled to deliver a petition at the presidential seat, urging swift action.
Kpebu insists the petition will be lodged as soon as all necessary evidence is compiled and legal documentation finalised. He emphasises that the removal process — as provided under the law — must proceed if there is prima facie evidence of misconduct or incompetence in the exercise of the Special Prosecutor’s duties.
He remains adamant that the OSP is not the private domain of any individual and argued that public institutions must remain accountable and transparent to the citizens. “The OSP is not your personal property,” he said in a media appearance following the Accra protest.
As the political and legal drama unfolds, many Ghanaians are watching closely. Observers say the coming days will reveal whether the petition gains traction, whether it meets the statutory threshold for consideration, and whether the administration responds with proposed reforms aimed at restoring confidence in Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture.
