The resignation of Ghana’s first Special Prosecutor (SP), Lawyer Martin A.B.K. Amidu was a big blow to the fight against corruption which could have been avoided, Governance Watch, Ghana has stated.
Lawyer Martin Amidu on November 16, 2020 presented a resignation letter to President Akuffo-Addo where he stated various impediments geared towards his fight against corruption.
However, Governance Watch Ghana described Lawyer Amedu’s resignation as unfortunate and could have been avoided.
Below is the full statement:
17/11/2020
MR. MARTIN AMIDU’S RESIGNATION AS SPECIAL PROSECUTOR A DENT ON THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION – GOVERNANCE WATCH GHANA
Having assessed the letter of resignation by the Special Prosecutor Mr. Martin A.B.K. Amidu addressed to the President of the Republic a copy of which was released to the public dated 16th November, 2020, we have concluded that the resignation was unfortunate and could have been avoided.
In the 4-page letter, Mr. Amidu recounted how he was starved in ensuring the efficiency of his office. He proceeded to recount how his recent audacity to venture into a risk assessment exercise of the Agyapa Royalties deal with a subsequent report into the public, appeared to have severed his thriving relationship with the President.
While we uphold the principles establishing the Office of Special Prosecutor, we wish to reiterate that the office, in its current form without staff, having to operate with staff on secondment, over reliance on the extra powers of the office of Attorney General, cannot be effective no matter who is appointed to replace the resigned Special Prosecutor.
We wish to admonish government to show overwhelming commitment in the fight against corruption. The details as contained in the letter by the Special Prosecutor reveals severe interference and exposure of the Office of Special Prosecutor to Executive interference which must be cured completely before finding a replacement.
We are by this statement expressing our disappointment in the events leading to the resignation of Mr. Amidu especially linked to the execution of his independent mandate in the matter of Agyapa Royalties deal.
Government has also shown its lack of will and commitment to fight corruption which we regard as unfortunate and a dent on our forward match as a developing nation.
The Office of Special Prosecutor was supposed to serve as an important office that would lead the crusade in the fight against corruption. Unfortunately, events of yesterday presents a different image to the general public and indeed the international community which we believe must be restored.
God Bless Our Homeland Ghana, and Make Us Great and Strong.
Signed:
Stephen Kwabena Attuh
(Executive Director)
Fred Adomako Williams
Adotey Michell
