Audio By Carbonatix
The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) says the former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu missed an opportunity to cement his undoubted anti-corruption credentials.
In a press statement hours after Mr Amidu resigned, Communications Director of the party, Yaw Buaben Asamoa said there is evidence that the Presidency and the Finance Ministry have done everything to make the OSP operational, effective and independent.
"The decision to appoint Martin Amidu himself is a clear indication that the President did not intend for the Office to be headed by a lackey. We remember those who lacked the courage to implement their own manifesto pledge.
"The National Democratic Congress (NDC) gave a manifesto promise to separate the Attorney General Department from the Ministry of Justice to give the AG the independence to prosecute corruption cases without fear or favour. But, when they were given the power to act they lacked the courage to do so. That has not been the case with Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP."
Martin Amidu, on Wednesday, resigned from his position three years after he was appointed by President Akufo-Addo.
The anti-graft campaigner said his position became untenable following “the reaction I received for daring to produce the Agyapa Royalties Limited Transactions anti-corruption report…”
In a letter communicating his latest position, Mr Amidu stated that issues following the presentation of his report to President Akufo-Addo left him conflicted about independent values around which the OSP was supposed to have been created.
“But your [Aufo-Addo’s] reaction to my letter with reference number OSP/SCR/20/12/20 dated 16th October 2020 which was delivered to you on 19th October 2020 conveying to you the conclusions and observations of the analysis of the risk of corruption and anti-corruption assessment of the Agyapa Royalties Limited Transactions convinces me beyond every reasonable doubt that you had laboured under the mistaken belief that I could hold the Office of the Special Prosecutor as your poodle,” he wrote.
He also raised concerns about threats to his life, inadequate resources and lack of emoluments since his appointment.
But the NPP disagrees.
Yaw Buaben Asamoa questioned where then is the accusation of “poodle” was.
"Our society, especially the political strata, needs to move away from merely shouting about who is the most corrupt and actually begin to fight corruption on a sustainable basis.
"League tabling corruption does not work. But the recitation and shouting loudest does not solve the political corruption problem of impunity that leads to blatant procurement and resource management issues."
Latest Stories
-
Economic stability achieved, focus now shifts to production – Isaac Adongo
26 minutes -
Youth disillusionment poses greatest threat to Ghana’s stability – UNDP
29 minutes -
John Darko urges Mahama to complete Agenda 111 projects instead of starting new ones
32 minutes -
Ghana needs $22.6bn to tackle climate challenges – Seidu Issifu
35 minutes -
Cocoa smuggling: Fiapre Circuit Court grants GH¢10k bail each to four suspects
39 minutes -
African media criticised for weak geopolitical coverage
43 minutes -
NHIA launches free NHIS registration campaign
45 minutes -
Oil prices rise by $1 as investors weigh Middle East peace prospects
46 minutes -
Court remands three over jewellery shop robberies
49 minutes -
NAIMOS intensifies crackdown on illegal mining activities along Ankobra River
51 minutes -
Evidence-based data crucial in fight against climate change – Food systems stakeholders
51 minutes -
Mason jailed over motorbike theft
54 minutes -
No journalist must be harassed – Gov’t promises media protection, warns against threats to press freedom
55 minutes -
Africa must address training gaps, retain health staff – Opoku-Agyemang
56 minutes -
Climate action must support Ghana’s resetting agenda – Climate Minister
60 minutes