The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) appears to have a lot of time in its hands as it assigns five top officers to investigate journalist Gordon Asare-Badiako, who was recently detained over accusations related to claims that Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng had requested for a jet for his office.
In a move that has raised eyebrows, the OSP has assigned five investigators led Emmanuel Amadu Basintale, Director of Investigations at the OSP to probe the case, amid growing criticism of its handling of the situation.
After several hours of interrogation on Friday, with Basintale leading the team, Asare-Bediako was discharged to report back tomorrow Tuesday, for continuation of the interrogation to unearth his source of the allegation.
Basintale was said to be a client of Kissi Agyebeng when he was a police officer, serving as the East Legon District Commander and ran into trouble over gold scam.
The SP subsequently employed him as Director of Investigations on his appointment.
The controversy erupted after Asare-Badiako, a journalist with a reputation for hard-hitting reports, alleged that Kissi Agyebeng had requested a jet from the former Akufo-Addo administration to facilitate his operations due to his high-risk status.
The statement was made during an appearance on Wontumi Radio, where Asare-Badiako confirmed the claim, citing government sources.
Agyebeng has made junketing part of his duties as he allegedly travels frequently staying outside the country most of the time.
The OSP, however, responded by accusing him of false communication and publication, asserting that the journalist’s comments were unfounded and potentially damaging to the Special Prosecutor’s credibility charging for corruption related offence.
On April 2, 2025, Asare-Badiako was detained by the OSP and later granted bail in the sum of GHC5 million with two sureties.
His arrest quickly became a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over press freedom and the extent of the OSP’s legal authority.
Critics were quick to label the detention as an attack on press freedom, with some accusing Agyebeng of overstepping his mandate and exhibiting dictatorial tendencies.
Following his release, Asare-Badiako made it clear that he would pursue legal action against the OSP for what he deemed to be wrongful detention.
“I have instructed my lawyer to explore legal avenues to sue the OSP for wrongful detention,” he stated, emphasizing that he did not believe the OSP had the legal right to demand that a journalist reveal his sources.
He also reiterated that his comments were based on credible information from within the government, and that his intention was never to impugn corruption on the Special Prosecutor.
The OSP’s handling of the case has sparked significant debate within legal and media circles.
Some have questioned whether the Office overstepped its authority, with Asare-Badiako arguing that the OSP should have pursued a civil remedy, such as a retraction or an apology, rather than resorting to detention.
