Legal Practitioner Slams OSP Detentions as Unlawful Over Allegations

Private legal practitioner Justice Abdulai has criticised the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), for detaining a Wontumi FM journalist for allegations made against Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.

Gordon Asare Bediako was detained by the OSP for alleging that the Special Prosecutor had requested for a private jet from the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration due to the risky nature of his job.

Although he cautioned journalists against making slanderous remarks, Justice Abdulai said the actions of the OSP were unlawful and fall outside its mandate.

“The OSP doesn’t have unbridled power to arrest people simply on the basis of allegations that are made or that are not within their remit. The OSP’s powers are purely regulated by law and to go after either politically exposed persons or politicians involved in corruption or allegations of corruption.

“And I do not think that the claims as made by journalists are enough basis for anybody to be arrested by that establishment. We [also] need to point out that one cannot rely on his profession, particularly as a journalist, to peddle falsehood either.

“It is also not the case that simply because a journalist takes something that is thought of as unfounded is the basis for the OSP to detain the person and insist on the person revealing his sources. These are clear limitations of the OSP’s powers and it is completely unlawful.”