Imagine being accused of incompetence in your own field, publicly, by someone you're investigating! That's precisely the situation unfolding between prominent lawyer Martin Kpebu and Sammy Darko of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). Kpebu is not holding back, accusing Darko and, by extension, the OSP, of failing to grasp 'simple law and logic.' But here's where it gets controversial... Kpebu's fiery remarks stem from an ongoing investigation into allegations he himself made against Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng. Let's unpack this escalating legal battle.
According to Kpebu, Sammy Darko, the Director of Strategy, Research and Communications at the OSP, has been divulging details of Kpebu’s meetings with the OSP to the media, despite Kpebu's preference for keeping the discussions private. In an interview with Kwaku Sintim-Misa (KSM), Kpebu expressed his frustration, stating that he initially wanted to provide the Special Prosecutor with additional information discreetly, avoiding media attention. He claims that the OSP, particularly Sammy Darko, has been prematurely broadcasting details of their meetings, effectively forcing him to respond publicly. He stated, “First, I was hiding all these things because I felt that what I have to give the Special Prosecutor is extra information. So I don't like this media attention, but they have been going out — we go and meet quietly, then Sammy Darko comes to put it on air, broadcast it.”
Kpebu implies he’s holding back some information to avoid further embarrassment for the OSP, suggesting he already feels vindicated. “I don't want to embarrass them too much. I want to be magnanimous in victory. I've won already. I've won, so I don't need to add more, I mean, insult to injury. So I'm still keeping a few details here and there, but he's the one who has so far publicly put out what happened at the first and second meetings,” he explained. And this is the part most people miss... Kpebu's confidence hints at potentially damaging information he possesses, which he is strategically releasing or withholding. The lawyer even scoffed at Sammy Darko’s assertion that he was “agitated” during questioning by the OSP.
Kpebu argues that even if he was agitated, it was justified, given what he perceives as the OSP's fundamental misunderstanding of legal principles. He elaborated on his concerns, stating, “He even said that I was agitated. He thought that's a good report… Assuming I was agitated, is it wrong?... But KSM, it's so basic. You're a lawyer. You set up a committee. If you have lay people, people who are not lawyers, who are telling you that can OSP investigate itself? We come to the first meeting, we raise such issues, then you adjourn only to remove the officer we said is conflicted. Then you still bring us a subordinate.” To clarify, Kpebu is suggesting that the OSP's initial approach to investigating his allegations was flawed, particularly regarding the independence and impartiality of the investigating team. He questions how the OSP can effectively investigate itself when the investigation is being conducted by individuals subordinate to the person being accused (Kissi Agyebeng). He believes the OSP should have formed an independent committee or involved a higher authority, such as the board, to ensure a fair and unbiased inquiry.
He further emphasized his point with a touch of sarcasm: “So if I'm agitated, is it not even justified that you have been too slow? Because we are all lawyers, I thought from the training you can see that if we are saying these are subordinates, they cannot be independent. Your mind should tell you that who is above Kissi, maybe the board, or, let's form an independent committee. This simple thing they can't get.” Kpebu's frustration boils down to what he sees as a basic failure of legal reasoning on the part of the OSP. But here's where it gets controversial... Is Kpebu genuinely concerned about procedural fairness, or is he simply trying to discredit the investigation against him? Kpebu concludes by reiterating his stance that Kissi Agyebeng is unfit to lead the OSP, citing his handling of the Ken Ofori-Atta case as evidence.
Sammy Darko's version of events paints a different picture. According to Darko, Kpebu was uncooperative during questioning, refusing to answer questions about his allegations against the OSP. Darko claims that Kpebu became agitated, leading to the suspension of the interrogation. In a statement released on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Darko stated that Kpebu had honored an invitation by the OSP on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, after having failed to appear on Friday, November 21, 2025, even though he had been informed through his contacts. Darko said that, upon appearing at the OSP on Tuesday, Kpebu declined to answer questions put to him regarding his allegations of corruption against the office. He added that Kpebu became agitated, causing the questioning to be halted. Darko's statement highlights a stark contrast in perspectives, raising questions about the true nature of the interactions between Kpebu and the OSP.
Ultimately, this dispute raises important questions about transparency, accountability, and the independence of investigations within the OSP. Who do you believe: Kpebu or Darko? Is Kpebu's criticism justified, or is he simply trying to deflect attention from the allegations against him? And more broadly, how can Ghana ensure that its anti-corruption efforts are truly independent and effective? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
