Former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, has called for the impeachment of the current Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, following the latter’s recent press conference on November 29, 2023.
Amidu, in a 15-page statement sighted by The Independent Ghana, accuses Agyebeng of crossing constitutional boundaries and defying Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
The statement, titled “Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor, Has Crossed the Redline by Scandalizing the Administration of Justice and Must Be Impeached: By Martin A. B. Amidu,” points out that Agyebeng’s press conference aimed to incite the media and the public against the judicial branch, undermining the foundation of the constitution.
Amidu asserts, “The press conference called by the Special Prosecutor… crossed the red line of freedom of speech and expression to subvert the letter and spirit of the foundation of the 1992 Constitution.” He further accuses Agyebeng of abusing and scandalizing the court, violating the constitution, and failing in the duty to protect the independence, dignity, and effectiveness of the courts.
Amidu argues that Agyebeng, as a public officer, violated Article 127 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the independence of the judiciary. He highlights that Agyebeng’s conduct is inconsistent with the constitutional duty to protect the judiciary.
The statement contends that Agyebeng intentionally brought undue pressure on judges, violating the constitution and tarnishing the judiciary’s reputation. Amidu compares Agyebeng’s actions to what would warrant disciplinary proceedings for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Amidu concludes by urging patriotic citizens to invoke Section 15(3) of Act 959 for Agyebeng’s removal, stating, “There is no way Ghana is going to survive should Kissi Agyebeng succeed in using public funds and resources to incite the public to bring the image and integrity of the judiciary down.”
In response to Agyebeng’s concerns about the courts’ actions impacting Ghana’s fight against corruption, Amidu dismisses them as an attempt to instigate the public and media against the judiciary. He labels Agyebeng’s appointment by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as one of the president’s worst appointments.
Kissi Agyebeng’s press conference on November 29, 2023, addressed ongoing investigations, challenges faced by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), and setbacks in court.
Agyebeng emphasized the court’s role in interpreting laws, criticized its interference with OSP investigations, and highlighted efforts to enhance the office’s capacity and efficiency.
He called for public support and emphasized the OSP’s commitment to combating corruption.
You can read the full text of Amidu and Agyebeng’s statement below
Kissi Agyebeng, The Special Prosecutor, Has Crossed the Redlines by Scandalizing the Administration of Just… by The Independent Ghana on Scribd
Media Briefing by Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng on 29 November 2023 by The Independent Ghana on Scribd