Martin Kpebu Demands Immediate Exit of Kissi Agyebeng from Ghana’s OSP: Full Breakdown of the Controversy

Introduction

In a heated development in Ghana’s ongoing battle against corruption, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has publicly called for the immediate resignation of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng and key Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) officials. Kpebu asserts that the OSP is a public institution, not personal property, amid widespread frustration over unprosecuted corruption cases, including charges against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. This stems from a protest in Accra on November 25, 2025, demanding Agyebeng’s removal. Speaking on Joy News’ The Pulse on November 26, 2025, Kpebu’s remarks highlight tensions within Ghana’s anti-corruption framework. This article unpacks the OSP’s role, the criticism, and the legal removal process for clarity on this pivotal issue.

Analysis

Martin Kpebu’s critique targets the leadership of the OSP, Ghana’s independent body established to combat corruption. He specifically named Kissi Agyebeng, Sammy Darko (Director of Strategy, Research, and Communications), and Mr. Akurugu (Director of Asset Recovery and Management), declaring the office has lost all credibility.

Context of the Protest

The controversy erupted following a demonstration in Accra on November 25, 2025, where protesters, including Kpebu and a pastor, marched to demand Agyebeng’s swift ouster. The core grievance: the OSP’s alleged failure to extradite Ken Ofori-Atta, who faces corruption charges filed by the office. Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former Finance Minister, has not returned to face these accusations, fueling public outrage over accountability in high-level financial misconduct.

Kpebu’s Key Statements

On The Pulse, Kpebu stated: “Sammy Darko, Kissi Agyebeng, and Mr. Akurugu, you’re going; we’ve got your fingers down. There is no way you can keep this office; it is not your personal assets.” He further emphasized, “You have lost credibility, your integrity is shattered, you are gone.” These words underscore a broader narrative that OSP leaders have mismanaged the institution, eroding public trust in Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts.

Summary

Martin Kpebu, a prominent Ghanaian lawyer, intensified calls for the resignation of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng after a protest against the OSP’s handling of corruption cases, notably involving Ken Ofori-Atta. Kpebu argues the OSP belongs to the public, not its officials, who he claims have forfeited integrity. The incident spotlights the OSP removal process under Ghanaian law, raising questions about institutional accountability in fighting corruption.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For citizens and activists concerned about corruption in Ghana, engaging constructively with institutions like the OSP is vital. Here’s how to navigate such issues pedagogically:

Participating in Protests Legally

Organize or join demonstrations with permits from local authorities to avoid legal repercussions. Reference Ghana’s Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491), which regulates assemblies while protecting free speech.

Filing Complaints Against Public Officials

To initiate OSP removal, submit a petition to the President detailing evidence of misconduct. Ensure petitions are factual and verifiable to meet the “prima facie” threshold.

Monitoring Anti-Corruption Efforts

Follow OSP updates via official channels and support whistleblowers through platforms like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). Educate communities on corruption’s economic impact—estimated at 5-10% of Ghana’s GDP annually by the World Bank.

Points of Caution

While public discourse on OSP accountability is essential, exercise restraint to uphold democratic norms:

• Verify Claims: Kpebu’s statements reflect personal opinion; OSP has not publicly responded, and no formal removal petition is confirmed.
• Avoid Personal Attacks: Focus on institutional failures, not individuals, to maintain credibility.
• Disclaimers Matter: Media outlets like Joy News note that views expressed do not represent their policy, emphasizing journalistic independence.
• Political Neutrality: Corruption probes must remain apolitical; premature judgments can undermine judicial processes.

Comparison

Understanding the OSP in context requires comparing it to similar bodies globally and domestically.

OSP vs. Other Ghanaian Institutions

Unlike the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), which handles broader economic crimes, the OSP focuses exclusively on corruption with independence from executive interference. The OSP reports directly to Parliament, enhancing autonomy compared to the Attorney General’s office.

OSP vs. International Equivalents

Similar to Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC, est. 1974), which recovered billions in assets, or Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), the OSP aims for high-conviction rates. However, Ghana’s OSP, only active since 2021, faces challenges like resource constraints, unlike mature agencies with decades of operation.

Legal Implications

The OSP’s framework under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) includes safeguards for leadership removal to prevent abuse while ensuring accountability. Applicable legal implications arise directly from this process.

Detailed OSP Removal Procedure

Section 12 of Act 959 outlines:

1. A petition is filed with the President alleging misconduct, stated incapacity, or incompetence.
2. Within 7 days, the President forwards it to the Chief Justice.
3. The Chief Justice assesses for a prima facie case within 30 days.
4. If affirmed, a three-member committee (Chief Justice appointees, including opposite-sex and non-executive members) investigates within 90 days and advises the President.
5. The President acts on the recommendation, potentially removing the Special Prosecutor.

This process balances protection from frivolous claims with public oversight, mirroring constitutional removal mechanisms for judges under Article 146.

Conclusion

Martin Kpebu’s outspoken demand for Kissi Agyebeng’s resignation from the OSP encapsulates public frustration with Ghana’s anti-corruption progress, particularly stalled cases like Ken Ofori-Atta’s. While Kpebu frames the OSP as public patrimony demanding credible stewardship, the legal removal process ensures due diligence. Strengthening institutions like the OSP remains crucial for Ghana’s development, as unchecked corruption hampers growth and erodes trust. Ongoing debates highlight the need for transparency, reinforcing that accountability applies to all public servants. Stakeholders must prioritize evidence-based reforms to bolster Ghana’s fight against graft.

FAQ

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily: “OSP isn’t your individual assets, you will have to pass – Martin Kpebu tells Kissi Agyebeng” (Published November 26, 2025).
• Joy News: The Pulse broadcast, November 26, 2025 (Video: YouTube embed reference).
• Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), Republic of Ghana.
• Ghanaian Times and related reports on Accra protest, November 25, 2025.
• World Bank Reports on Corruption in Ghana (2023-2025 data).