Martin Kpebu OSP Meeting: No Interrogation, Just Evidence Protocol Agreement Amid Ghana Protest

Discover the facts behind private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu’s recent visit to Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). Amid public speculation about an interrogation over his allegations against Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng and former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, Kpebu set the record straight: the meeting was purely procedural. This article breaks down the event, its context in Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts, and implications for ongoing investigations.

Introduction

In a surprising clarification that counters widespread expectations, Martin Kpebu, a prominent Ghanaian lawyer, revealed that his Tuesday meeting with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) did not involve any interrogation. Instead, the 33-minute session focused on agreeing upon a structured process for handing over evidence supporting his claims. This development follows Kpebu’s bold allegations of collusion between OSP head Kissi Agyebeng and ex-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, which prompted the OSP invitation last week.

The OSP, established under Ghana’s 2018 Office of the Special Prosecutor Act to combat corruption independently, plays a pivotal role in public accountability. Kpebu’s visit came right after a protest in Accra, where demonstrators demanded President John Dramani Mahama remove Agyebeng from office. This story highlights procedural transparency in Ghana’s anti-corruption framework, offering insights into how citizens engage with institutions like the OSP.

Background on the OSP Invitation

The invitation stemmed from Kpebu’s public statements accusing Agyebeng of dishonesty regarding efforts to prevent Ofori-Atta’s recent international travel. Such claims have fueled debates on the OSP’s effectiveness, making Kpebu’s procedural update crucial for understanding investigation protocols.

Analysis

Martin Kpebu’s interaction with the OSP exemplifies the preliminary stages of a formal investigation in Ghana’s legal system. Speaking live on PleasureNews’ The Pulse from OSP premises post-meeting, Kpebu emphasized, “I was not interrogated; we have not even reached there. I was here to provide additional information to them, and they will use that to investigate the allegations I have made.”

This procedural focus underscores the OSP’s methodical approach. Rather than jumping into questioning, officials negotiated protocols for evidence submission—a standard step to ensure chain-of-custody integrity and legal admissibility. The cordial 33-minute discussion avoided substantive probing, prioritizing logistics over confrontation.

Context of Kpebu’s Allegations

Kpebu’s claims center on Agyebeng’s purported false statements about seeking assistance from state agencies to arrest Ofori-Atta before his departure. Specifically, Kpebu challenged assertions involving letters to chiefs of staff, visits to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Immigration, and National Security. He described these as unverified, urging scrutiny to uphold public trust in the OSP.

Ghana’s OSP operates under Act 959, mandating independence from executive influence. Kpebu’s evidence handover could trigger a full probe, testing the office’s mandate to investigate corruption involving public officers.

Summary

To recap: Martin Kpebu met OSP officials on Tuesday, dispelling rumors of interrogation. The session established a protocol for submitting evidence on his allegations against Kissi Agyebeng and Ken Ofori-Atta. Preceding this was a protest led by Kpebu and Apostle Abraham Lincoln Larbi, calling for Agyebeng’s ouster or the OSP’s dissolution, citing mandate failures. This procedural milestone advances accountability without escalating to formal questioning yet.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Ghanaians seeking to report corruption or engage the OSP, follow these verified steps based on official guidelines:

Submitting Complaints to OSP

Visit the OSP website or offices in Accra to file petitions. Provide verifiable evidence like documents or witness statements. Expect initial procedural reviews before any investigation, as seen in Kpebu’s case. Use Form OSP-1 for formal complaints, ensuring details align with Act 959 definitions of corruption.

Participating in Protests Safely

Organize lawful demonstrations under Ghana’s Public Order Act, notifying police 48 hours in advance. Focus on factual grievances to avoid legal pitfalls, mirroring the structured demands against Agyebeng.

Media Engagement

When addressing media like PleasureNews, clarify facts promptly to counter misinformation, as Kpebu did live from OSP premises.

Points of Caution

Engaging institutions like the OSP requires care to maintain credibility:

• Avoid Unsubstantiated Claims: Allegations must be evidence-based; Kpebu’s protocol negotiation highlights preparation’s importance.
• Respect Procedural Timelines: Investigations follow legal steps; impatience can undermine cases.
• Protest Legality: Unauthorized assemblies risk dispersal under law.
• Media Scrutiny: Public statements invite OSP responses, as with Kpebu’s invitation.

Risks of Public Accusations

High-profile claims against figures like Agyebeng can lead to countersuits if unproven, emphasizing verifiable facts.

Comparison

Compare Kpebu’s OSP engagement to prior cases:

Vs. High-Profile OSP Probes

Unlike the swift interrogations in the Airbus scandal or Agyapa deal probes, Kpebu’s meeting prioritizes evidence intake—a common initial phase. Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu’s tenure saw more public clashes, contrasting Agyebeng’s procedural restraint here.

Protest Parallels

This mirrors 2023 anti-corruption marches, where demands for accountability preceded institutional responses.

Legal Implications

Applicable under Ghanaian law:

Defamation Risks

Kpebu’s allegations against Agyebeng invoke civil defamation laws (Criminal Offences Act, 1960). If unproven, liability arises; however, qualified privilege applies to good-faith reports to authorities like OSP.

OSP Investigation Powers

Per Act 959, OSP can summon, search, and prosecute. Evidence from Kpebu could launch a formal inquiry, potentially implicating collusion under anti-corruption statutes.

Protest Rights

Protected by Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution, but subject to Public Order Act restrictions.

Conclusion

Martin Kpebu’s OSP meeting clarifies a key moment in Ghana’s fight against corruption: procedural rigor precedes action. By agreeing on an evidence handover process, both parties advance transparency without premature confrontation. This event reinforces the OSP’s role under Act 959, amid calls for Agyebeng’s removal. As investigations unfold, it serves as a pedagogical example of citizen-institution engagement, urging evidence-based advocacy for stronger accountability.

Stay informed on OSP developments, Ken Ofori-Atta probes, and Ghana anti-corruption efforts for deeper insights.

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