Imagine a powerhouse investigative journalist throwing shade at a supposedly unshakable institution—now that's the kind of drama that keeps you glued to the story! But here's where it gets controversial: in a shocking turn of events, award-winning reporter Manasseh Azure Awuni is siding with a high-profile lawyer over the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), claiming the agency's credibility is in tatters. Let's dive into why this matters and unpack the details that could change how you view this entire saga.
Manasseh Azure Awuni, often referred to simply as M, has openly explained his preference for lawyer Martin Kpebu's (R) narrative over that of Kissi Agyebeng's (L) OSP team. During a lively panel discussion on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, December 6, 2025, this seasoned journalist voiced his skepticism about the OSP's recounting of the incident that resulted in Kpebu's arrest. For beginners trying to follow along, think of the OSP as a special watchdog office designed to tackle high-level corruption and misconduct—it's meant to be the gold standard of integrity in Ghana's legal landscape. Yet, Manasseh argues that recent events have chipped away at its trustworthiness, making it hard to take their word at face value.
He pinpointed a glaring discrepancy in the OSP's handling of the SML scandal—a major financial controversy involving alleged irregularities in government dealings—as a prime example. The OSP had publicly stated that their probe into this mess kicked off back in 2023. But Manasseh's firsthand experiences paint a different picture, suggesting the investigation only truly began in 2025. This isn't just a minor mix-up; it raises eyebrows about whether the OSP might be playing fast and loose with timelines to protect certain interests.
To illustrate this, Manasseh recounted his personal interactions with the OSP. In his own words, he described believing Kpebu over the agency now, noting that in the past, he wouldn't have questioned information from an institution built as a 'citadel of integrity.' He referenced an interview where The Fourth Estate had published an OSP report claiming the SML investigation started in 2023—a report that was widely circulated by media outlets. At the time, there was no reason to doubt such a reputable office might be fabricating details. Fast forward to early 2025, and officials from the OSP reached out to him on January 29, 2025, saying something along the lines of: 'You petitioned our office to launch an investigation into SML. We're on the verge of starting, and it's crucial we get the full picture from you. There might be background info not in the petition or the documentary that could help.' They set up a meeting for January 31, followed by a follow-up email on February 5 from the lead investigator, requesting additional details for what they called 'the preparatory process for the investigation.' This chain of events, coupled with a 'diary of action' document Manasseh obtained from the office, clearly indicates the probe didn't begin in 2023 as claimed. And this is the part most people miss—such inconsistencies could point to broader issues like cover-ups or poor record-keeping, which erodes public faith in anti-corruption efforts. For example, imagine if a bank told you your account was audited years ago, but then you find out they were just starting the process; it makes you question everything else they say, right?
Manasseh didn't stop there. He also pointed out that the OSP has been putting out incorrect figures about the sums of money tied to the SML scandal, further fueling doubts about their reliability. 'It's tough right now to just swallow everything they feed us,' he emphasized. This kind of skepticism is understandable, especially when you're dealing with allegations that could shake up powerful figures.
To provide more context for newcomers, the OSP faced a barrage of backlash from various public voices after detaining Martin Kpebu. He'd been summoned to provide insights on claims he'd made against Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng. Things escalated when he clashed with military personnel at the OSP's headquarters, leading to accusations of obstructing justice. The OSP claimed Kpebu verbally assaulted the officers. But Kpebu countered that his response was triggered after one of the officers called him 'stupid.' This he-said-she-said scenario is ripe for debate—who do you believe when both sides have vested interests? And here's where controversy sparks: Could this incident be a case of the OSP overreaching to silence critics, or is Kpebu's behavior genuinely at fault? It's a slippery slope that highlights tensions between free speech, legal authority, and personal accountability in a democracy like Ghana's.
As another angle, consider this link to a related story where legal expert Kow Essuman suggests that Kpebu's arrest might even justify removing the entire OSP leadership—talk about high stakes! (You can check that out here: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Kpebu-s-arrest-could-be-grounds-for-OSP-s-removal-Kow-Essuman-asserts-2012227)
For a visual deep dive, don't miss Manasseh's own remarks in this embedded video:
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And if you're intrigued by deeper societal issues, watch the promo for GhanaWeb's latest documentary. It explores the shady world of 'kayamata,' an exploitative scheme driven by love potions and deceit, in 'The Dark Side of Kayamata.' It's a fascinating look at how manipulation can erode trust in relationships—much like the credibility questions we're seeing here.
Meanwhile, online buzz is heating up as netizens pile on Kwakye Ofosu for backing Mahama's 'broken promise'—a reminder that controversies are everywhere in public discourse.
Finally, the anticipation ends: GhanaWeb's Excellence Awards 2025 are live! Time to honor those making waves in impact, innovation, and excellence across Ghana. Who should get the spotlight this year? Head over to nominate now: https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate
So, where do you stand on this? Do you agree with Manasseh that the OSP's credibility is shot, or do you think he's too quick to side with Kpebu? Is this a sign of systemic issues in Ghana's justice system, or just a one-off misunderstanding? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's spark a real conversation! If you've got a counterpoint, like maybe the OSP is being unfairly targeted, we'd love to hear it. What do you think?
