Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has broken his silence for the first time since petitioning President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the removal of his successor, Kissi Agyebeng.
In a statement sent to the media, Amidu criticized Agyebeng and those defending the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s investigation of former Minister for Sanitation, Cecilia Dapaah, who has been accused of money laundering by the office.
He asserted his unwavering commitment to defending the Constitution of Ghana.
Describing Agyebeng as an ‘inexperienced and incompetent neophyte’ and citing multiple alleged violations of the constitution by the Special Prosecutor, Amidu stated that he could no longer continue in his role.
“My personal right to defend the 1992 Constitution and the due process of law guaranteed under it cannot be subjected to intimidation by any media house or any group of fellow citizens.
“Kissi Agyebeng is a wounded snake whose head needs to be decoupled from the OSP before the OSP infests the body politic with the very poisonous corruption the OSP was established to prevent and investigate, thereby destroying the 1992 Constitution,” part of the statement by Amidu, a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, which is dated May 23, 2024, reads.
He added, “Those who nominated Kissi Agyebeng can continue to protect him, but I will not stop defending the basic ethics and principles of law enforcement and the 1992 Constitution, which I have done throughout my adult life as a citizen of Ghana.”
Background:
President Akufo-Addo has forwarded a petition to remove Kissi Agyebeng as Special Prosecutor to the Chief Justice.
The petition, dated April 30, 2024, was submitted by former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu and sent to Justice Gertrude Torkornoo on May 6, 2024.
Amidu cited procurement irregularities in acquiring vehicles for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and alleged misconduct involving judges and the administration of justice.
Additional accusations included violations of citizens’ rights through arrests and detentions, breaches of the right to information, and inappropriate staff appointments.
Following Article 146 of the Constitution, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo is assessing whether there is sufficient initial evidence to form a committee for Agyebeng’s potential impeachment.
She has requested that the Special Prosecutor respond to the issues raised in the petition.