Supreme Court's ruling on OSP's powers is a welcome relief, timely - Martin Kpebu

Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, welcomed the Supreme Court's decision affirming the Attorney-General's constitutional authority to discontinue criminal prosecutions initiated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), describing it as a crucial safeguard to ensure accountability within the anti-corruption agency. Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM, Mr Kpebu stated, "It's a welcome relief, very timely. It will help to at least keep Kissi Agyebeng in check for a bit."

Mr Kpebu said the ruling provides clarity on the constitutional relationship between the Attorney-General and the OSP. He explained that under the 1992 Constitution, the Attorney-General has the power to initiate and discontinue criminal prosecutions at any stage. He added that the Supreme Court has been very clear that the OSP is under the Attorney-General's office, and any other person prosecuting a criminal case is doing it on behalf of the Attorney-General. Mr Kpebu also noted that individuals who believe they have been unfairly targeted by the OSP now have a clear avenue to seek a review of their cases by the Attorney-General.