By: Ashiadey Dotse
The Director of communication of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has expressed strong disagreement with the manner in which the Special Prosecutor handled the arrest of lawyer Martin Kpebu. He said the arrest was not carried out in a way that respects the rights and freedoms of citizens, which he believes should be the foundation of Ghana’s democracy.
Speaking on GTV Current Agenda show on Saturday December 6, 2025, Mr. Ahiagbah said the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has recently become “excessive” in the way it uses its powers. According to him, some actions of the office such as what he described as wrongful detentions and heavy bail conditions show that the law is being stretched beyond reasonable limits.
He insisted that the treatment given to Martin Kpebu, and even to other individuals like media personality Paul Adom-Okyere and former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, raises serious concerns about respect for human rights adding that no anti-corruption mandate should override the basic rights of citizens.
Mr. Ahiagbah also criticised the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he called its “deafening silence” when similar actions affected others in the past. He said the NDC only became vocal after the recent arrest of Martin Kpebu, whom he referred to as their “darling boy.”
He explained that while corruption must be fought, it must be done in a way that does not breach the freedoms of citizens. He argued that the real problem is not the OSP as an institution, but the conduct of the individuals who occupy the office. He urged Ghanaians to separate the office from the occupant, saying the OSP is still needed but must be led by people who respect democratic values.
Mr. Ahiagbah called for balanced use of power by the OSP, warning that abuses could undermine Ghana’s democracy. He said the rights of citizens must remain protected at all times, regardless of who holds public office.
His comment comes on the back of the recent arrest of Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu by the office of the special prosecutor following altercation between Martin Kpebu and officer’s of the OSP after he arrived to respond to allegations he leveled against the OSP.
