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OSP's Sammy Darko criticizes former Deputy Attorney General Joseph Kpemka's stance on prosecutorial powers
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Sammy Darko, Director of Strategy, Research and Communication at the Office of the Special Prosecutor OSP, has criticized former Deputy Attorney General Joseph Kpemka following a High Court ruling that declared OSP prosecutions null and void and directed their transfer to the Attorney General. Darko's remarks on Thursday, April 16, 2026, came after Kpemka defended the court's decision. Darko highlighted that Kpemka had previously represented clients in OSP-prosecuted cases, such as the Northern Development Authority case and the Mustapha Hamid case, without ever questioning the OSP's prosecutorial authority. Darko suggested that Kpemka's current position might be influenced by his clients' interests. Kpemka, in an interview on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, argued that the High Court ruling was not an interpretation of the law but rather a decision based on the OSP's non-compliance with statutory requirements, specifically the absence of authorization from the Attorney-General. He stated that the law requires the OSP to obtain authorization from the Attorney-General, and since this was not granted after the passage of Act 959, the judge ruled that the OSP lacked the power to prosecute. Kpemka added that it was the Special Prosecutor's responsibility to formally request this authorization or seek a court order to compel the Attorney-General to grant it.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, has called on judges to exercise sound judgment, maintain independence, and strictly adhere to their constitutional oath when performing their duties. In a post on his X page on Friday, April 17, 2026, he advised judges against succumbing to external pressure or "unseen instructions." He emphasized that their decisions become public record and will be judged by posterity, urging them to apply their legal knowledge and common sense, guided by Article 296. Afenyo-Markin also encouraged judges to remain apolitical, stating, "The tables will turn in 2028. For your own peace, stay away from politics. Let politicians do their politics and simply observe." These comments follow public discussion regarding the proceedings involving Abubakar Yakubu, also known as Baba Amando, the Sunyani East Constituency Communication Officer of the NPP. Baba Amando was remanded by an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly sharing derogatory images of President John Dramani Mahama and government members on social media, but has since been granted bail of GH¢30,000 with two sureties, and is required to report to the police every two weeks.
Must ReadPaul Twum-Barimah, a lawyer and former Member of Parliament for Dormaa East, has defended a High Court ruling that restricts the Office of the Special Prosecutor OSP from independent prosecution. He asserts this decision is based on constitutional law, not judicial error. In a Facebook post on Friday, April 17, 2026, Twum-Barimah highlighted Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution, which vests prosecutorial authority in the Attorney-General, meaning the OSP requires proper authorization to initiate prosecutions. He also referenced Article 130, which gives the Supreme Court final interpretative authority on constitutional matters, and Article 12, the supremacy clause, stating that the Constitution is the supreme law and any inconsistent laws are void. He argued that while the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 Act 959 aims to combat corruption, it cannot override constitutional provisions. Twum-Barimah cautioned that misinterpreting the law could undermine constitutional order and urged the Supreme Court to provide a conclusive determination to resolve inconsistencies in judicial interpretations, warning that continued uncertainty could impact corruption cases. He implied the High Court simply applied existing law and that the Supreme Court must bring final clarity to prevent institutional conflict and ensure legal certainty.
Kumawood actor Alexander Kofi Adu, known as Agya Koo, has arrived in Accra to officially register his new political party, the Ghana First Party. Videos circulating on social media show the actor, accompanied by security and an entourage in party-branded attire, campaigning through the capital. Agya Koo announced the Ghana First Party as a direct challenge to the long-standing dominance of the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress. He stated in a media interview that his party aims to be a credible third force in Ghanaian politics, seeking to improve the lives of Ghanaians. This move has surprised many, as the actor was previously a strong supporter of the NPP.
Dr Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister, has ordered an immediate stop to all unauthorized land clearing activities around Lake Bosomtwe. He has also directed the Environmental Protection Authority EPA to investigate these illegal activities and take steps to restore affected areas. This directive comes after reports of vegetation destruction by private developers and encroachers, which poses an environmental threat to West Africa’s only natural lake. Lake Bosomtwe, located in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region, is experiencing increased ecological pressure as encroachers reportedly clear vegetation along its shoreline. This situation has raised concerns among authorities, traditional leaders, and residents regarding the lake’s ecological sustainability. Large sections of protective vegetation have been cleared, leading to erosion, habitat loss, and environmental degradation. Eyewitnesses have reported ongoing excavation activities with heavy machinery. The EPA has launched a probe into the destruction of this critical bio-conservation zone. Traditional leaders, including Nana Kwaku Bio, Dikro of Abaase, have pledged to enforce EPA directives and stop the use of excavators. Residents are concerned that continued degradation could impact fishing, tourism, and the environmental balance of the area. Lake Bosomtwe, a national heritage site formed by a meteorite impact, is globally recognized for its ecological and cultural significance. Environmental advocates are