Former Special Prosecutor Martin A.B.K. Amidu has accused current Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng of incompetently turning constitutional activist Martin Kpebu into a public hero following his arrest and detention on December 3, 2025.
In a statement issued on December 6, Amidu argued that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) mishandled the situation, making Kpebu a victim of state intimidation rather than weakening his corruption allegations against the OSP.
He said the arrest, detention and stringent bail conditions — which included landed property and a surety — portrayed Agyebeng as vindictive and inexperienced and confirmed what he described as “investigatory overreach” and disregard for citizens’ rights.
“By arresting him with onerous bail terms, the OSP only made Kpebu a martyr,” Amidu stated.
The Arrest That Backfired
Kpebu was detained after visiting the OSP headquarters to assist investigations into corruption allegations he had publicly made against Agyebeng and the office. The arrest followed a verbal altercation at the entrance of the facility.
He was later granted bail and released after several hours in custody.
The controversy triggered parliamentary intervention, with both Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor and Minority MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah describing the arrest as an abuse of power, emphasizing that Kpebu voluntarily honored the OSP invitation.
Are the Guards at the OSP Even ‘Authorized Officers’?
Amidu also questioned the legality of the security officers stationed at the OSP gate. He argued that soldiers and police personnel guarding the facility cannot lawfully be classified as “authorized OSP officers,” saying they were neither recruited under Section 21 of the OSP Act nor sworn under the OSP’s disciplinary structures.
He insisted this makes the entire basis for Kpebu’s alleged obstruction legally questionable.
Conflict of Interest Claims
The former Special Prosecutor also raised deeper concerns: Agyebeng is leading investigations into allegations against himself. Amidu described this as absurd and a clear conflict of interest that Kpebu exploited by repeatedly demanding an independent investigative team in earlier meetings with OSP officers.
A Growing Rift Over High-Profile Cases
Kpebu has stepped up public criticism of Agyebeng in recent weeks, accusing the OSP of contradictory behavior in the case of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. He also claims the OSP inaccurately blamed the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for failing to assist in his attempted arrest.
According to Amidu, the arrest has now shifted the national debate away from the bribery allegations against the OSP, giving Kpebu the moral advantage.
Calls to Scrap the OSP
The Majority Chief Whip has warned that Parliament, which created the OSP, may be forced to abolish it if abuses continue, describing Kpebu’s detention as “flimsy and whimsical.”
Background: A History of Conflict
Amidu was Ghana’s first Special Prosecutor from 2018 until his resignation in November 2020, accusing President Nana Akufo-Addo of political interference. He also served as Attorney General and Minister of Justice from 2011 to 2012.
In November 2025, Amidu publicly described Agyebeng as “pathologically dishonest” and “fundamentally unfit” to lead the OSP.
Amidu’s Recommendation
Amidu concluded by urging Parliament to demand formal proof that the soldiers and police officers at the OSP gate legally qualify as authorized officers performing OSP functions.
Source: paqnediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
