By Francis Kobena Tandoh
The Parliament of Ghana is set to summon Special Prosecutor (SP) Kissi Agyebeng to brief the House on the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of Private Legal Practitioner Martin Kpebu.
Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, who made the call on Thursday, argued that the detention, after Kpebu voluntarily responded to an Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) invitation, amounted to an abuse of power.
The invitation aims to compel the Special Prosecutor to explain why a citizen who came willingly was detained, why bail conditions were reportedly onerous (e.g., requiring landed property as surety), and whether due process was followed.
Why the arrest provoke outrage? What’s at stake?
According to the OSP, Kpebu was arrested for “obstructing an OSP officer” during a confrontation at the OSP premises—the office claims the arrest was due to his refusal to comply with security instructions.
But many Members of Parliament (MPs) and legal commentators say that Kpebu had come voluntarily to cooperate with investigations regarding allegations he made against the OSP itself—hence detaining him appears contradictory and excessive.
Some view the arrest as potentially an intimidation tactic against critics of the OSP or a misuse of state power.
Reactions & context
Kpebu has since renewed his accusations, claiming Agyebeng is corrupt and promising to present a “mother of all petitions” for the SP’s removal.
The OSP, for its part, maintains the arrest was lawful and based on a pattern of confrontational and disrespectful behavior by Kpebu towards its personnel and not because of his public allegations.
Several legal experts and former officials, including former Speaker Rt. Hon. Aaron Mike Oquaye has condemned the detention, arguing that inviting a lawyer to “help with investigations” but then detaining him undermines the notion of cooperation and could be constitutionally improper.
What this could lead to / what to watch
The hearing could force the OSP to publicly defend its actions, possibly clarifying its internal protocols for detention, bail conditions, and handling of persons cooperating with investigations.
If Parliament is unsatisfied, some MPs have suggested that the incident strengthens arguments for abolishing the OSP or at least overhauling its mandate and oversight.
The case may also trigger broader discussions about the independence, accountability, and checks and balances for investigative bodies in Ghana—especially when high-profile, politically sensitive cases are involved. End item
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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