Kpebu defends Duffuor case withdrawal; says half a loaf is better than none

Accra, Ghana – July 23, 2025
Renowned legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has thrown his support behind Dr. Kwabena Duffuor’s controversial decision to withdraw his lawsuit against the National Democratic Congress (NDC), citing the popular proverb, “half a loaf is better than none.”

Speaking in a recent media interview, Kpebu argued that although Duffuor did not pursue the case to its legal conclusion, the impact of raising the issues publicly had already done significant good.

"The man raised important concerns, and those concerns were heard. Even if the case didn’t continue, the pressure alone brought change. That’s why I say half a loaf is better than none," Kpebu explained.

Dr. Duffuor, a leading figure in the NDC and a former Finance Minister, had taken legal action against the party ahead of its internal primaries, citing discrepancies in the delegates' photo album and lack of transparency in the voter register. His concern was that going ahead with the elections under such conditions would compromise fairness and the integrity of the process.

However, just before the hearing could proceed, Dr. Duffuor withdrew the suit, prompting mixed reactions from the public and political watchers. While some saw the withdrawal as a sign of weakness or internal pressure, Kpebu offered a different interpretation.

???? A Tactical Retreat, Not a Defeat

Kpebu emphasized that filing the case itself was a bold step that forced the NDC to acknowledge and address the issues, even if unofficially. He noted that several internal reforms have been quietly initiated since Duffuor raised his concerns.

"What Duffuor did was bring light into a dark room. Even if he didn’t flip all the switches, he lit a candle, and that matters," Kpebu said.

He also pointed out that politics and legal battles often require calculation. In his view, it was better for Duffuor to withdraw and preserve unity within the NDC than to continue with a divisive legal confrontation that could have deepened cracks in the party ahead of major national elections.

???? Legal Community Reacts

Kpebu’s remarks have been widely discussed within legal and political circles. Some legal experts agree with his perspective, calling it a “realistic compromise” in a political environment where court battles can sometimes drag on without meaningful results.

"You don’t always need a court judgment to win. Sometimes, raising the issue is victory enough," said Akosua Asante, a constitutional law analyst.

????️ Political Fallout and Reforms

Since the case withdrawal, NDC leadership has reportedly reviewed its internal election protocols. Though the party has not publicly admitted fault, insiders say there is now a renewed focus on digital verification, stronger monitoring, and consensus-building in candidate vetting processes.

Kpebu believes this is part of the legacy Duffuor leaves, even without a final court decision.

???? Conclusion

Martin Kpebu’s defense of Duffuor's case withdrawal reminds Ghanaians of an important lesson: victory in politics and law is not always about winning the full loaf—it’s sometimes about starting a conversation, shaping reform, and knowing when to retreat with honor.

As Ghana approaches future elections, the precedent set by Duffuor’s case—supported by voices like Kpebu’s—may shape how internal party accountability is pursued, and how justice can be achieved outside the courtroom.