Kofi Bentil Critiques OSP for Overstepping Legal Boundaries in Martin Kpebu Case

Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, has criticized the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for what he views as legally questionable actions in its handling of matters involving private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu. Speaking on Joy FM’s *Midday News* on Thursday, Bentil stressed that the OSP must operate within established legal frameworks and remain open to public accountability.

“We create laws for ourselves, not to establish tools for oppression. The OSP must recognize that it is a public office and is therefore subject to scrutiny and criticism,” Bentil remarked. “They are not above the law. Any actions they take must be firmly grounded in legal authority. I don’t believe what is happening is justified.”

Bentil’s remarks come amid an ongoing conflict between Kpebu and the OSP, which has escalated due to Kpebu’s outspoken criticisms of the office’s operations, leadership, and decision-making under Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng. Kpebu has frequently accused the OSP of overstepping its mandate, misusing its powers, and failing to effectively combat high-level corruption. In response, the OSP has dismissed Kpebu’s claims as misleading, defending its actions as lawful and necessary.

The situation reached a new level of tension on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, when Kpebu was arrested after reporting to the OSP headquarters at their invitation. Kpebu had appeared to discuss corruption allegations he had himself filed against the Special Prosecutor. However, the OSP later stated that Kpebu’s arrest was due to alleged obstruction, claiming he had insulted security officers and hindered them from carrying out their lawful duties.

Bentil emphasized that Kpebu’s cooperation with the OSP should not negate his legal rights. “Martin is trying to follow the law as much as possible. He has no obligation to cooperate with the OSP if he chooses not to, given the current circumstances,” he explained.

He further urged the OSP to ensure its actions are legally sound and transparent. “The OSP does not have unchecked powers to act however they wish. They need to clarify the legal basis for their actions and ensure everything they do is grounded in clear legal authority,” Bentil concluded.

Source: MyNewsGh.com