Kenneth Kwabena Agyei Kuranchie, Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Searchlight newspaper, has formally petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to remove Kissi Agyebeng from his position as Special Prosecutor.

Mr. Kuranchie cited allegations of serious misconduct that could threaten Ghana's security and economy as reasons for calling for the removal of the Special Prosecutor

In a letter dated Friday, 18 October 2024, Mr. Kuranchie called for Mr. Agyebeng's removal under the Special Prosecutor Act (Act 959 of 2017), which provides specific grounds for dismissal, including "misbehaviour," "incapacity to perform duties," and "willful violation of the Official Oath and Oath of Secrecy."

Mr. Kuranchie argues that Mr. Agyebeng's actions, particularly his alleged reliance on the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to conduct security checks on 80 per cent of staff at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), constitute serious breaches of these provisions.

“These acts are in breach of the laws of Ghana and constitute stated misbehaviour,” Mr. Kuranchie said.

He indicated that: “They also amount to willful violations of the Official Oath and Oath of Secrecy and are prejudicial to the economy and security of the state.”

Mr. Kuranchie claims that the FBI’s involvement in these security assessments, which was not approved by Ghana's National Intelligence Bureau (N.I.B), undermines the sovereignty of Ghana’s security operations and violates local law.

He also accused MR. Agyebeng of breaching the Data Protection Act, further questioning the Special Prosecutor’s competence to continue in the role.

“The actions of Mr. Agyebeng have compromised the integrity of the Office of the Special Prosecutor,”

“These breaches are detrimental to the nation’s well-being and its commitment to upholding the rule of law,” Mr. Kuranchie adde.

In response to Mr. Kuranchie’s petition, President Akufo-Addo has referred the matter to the Chief Justice, who will determine whether there is a prima facie case for the OSP’s removal from office.

The petition comes after Mr. Kuranchie’s earlier legal challenge to the constitutionality of the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

In July 2024, the Supreme Court dismissed his suit, which sought to declare the Special Prosecutor Act unconstitutional.