The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has issued a stern warning to the public: resisting arrest—lawful or not—could land you behind bars.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Law on Sunday, April 13, Samuel Appiah Darko, the OSP’s Director of Strategy, Research, and Communication, cautioned that resisting or interfering with an arrest amounts to obstruction of justice—a serious offense under Ghanaian law.
“If you try to resist an arrest, that in itself is a criminal offense,” he said. “You could face a fine or a minimum jail term of one year. Under the OSP Act, obstruction of justice attracts a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years imprisonment.”
Mr. Appiah Darko emphasized that the law does not only target the individual being arrested. Bystanders, friends, or political supporters who hinder arrest procedures can also face prosecution.
“In the case of politicians, for instance, if foot soldiers or sympathisers try to block law enforcement officers from arresting someone, they can be charged with obstruction of justice,” he added.
He also dispelled the widespread belief that only uniformed police officers have arrest powers. According to him, agencies such as the OSP, EOCO, and intelligence bodies also possess arrest powers backed by the Constitution and Acts of Parliament.
“The term ‘police powers’ goes beyond just officers in uniform,” he said, urging the public to respect lawful authority regardless of the attire worn by officers.
The OSP’s message is clear: obstructing justice is not only unwise—it’s unlawful and punishable.
