OSP Act lacked checks to rein in Special Prosecutor, Kpebu says

Ghana's Special Prosecutor, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Act 2017, is facing criticism for lacking sufficient controls on its occupant, according to legal practitioner Martin Kpebu. Kpebu argued that the lack of checks and balances in the law has contributed to tensions surrounding the OSP and its leadership. The Special Prosecutor serves as the institution's "number-one ambassador," and public dissatisfaction with their conduct could impact the institution's reputation.

Kpebu questioned the foresight in drafting the law, suggesting that it assumed every occupant would act appropriately. The Supreme Court recently upheld the OSP Act, affirming its independent prosecutorial powers, but also noted the Attorney-General retains authority over criminal prosecutions. Kpebu believes the Supreme Court's decision provides a necessary supervisory mechanism due to the current occupant's conduct.