Audio By Carbonatix
Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu says he used to crusade against corruption more effectively before his appointment by President Akufo-Addo.
Having earned the nickname ‘Citizen Vigilante’ for his no-nonsense stance and campaign against corruption particularly in the NDC administration, the retired public officer was given his new position in February 2018.
With almost two years under his belt, Mr. Amidu is yet to complete a case or prosecute any of the numerous alleged cases of corruption involving politicians of the previous and current government as expected by many Ghanaians.
The situation has resulted in various criticisms with organizations such as the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) demanding his removal from office for incompetence.
But touching on the subject in his caution statement to former President John Mahama, the Special Prosecutor said he did not need a public office to fight corruption.
"I used to crusade against corruption more effectively before accepting to be appointed as the Special Prosecutor. I do not need any patronage and I do not think the Office of the Special Prosecutor as an independent statutory anti-corruption agency needs one.
“This country is not a milking cow. It is for the people of this country, particularly, the downtrodden, the poor ones. I am saying that that is my position, and it will be” no matter who becomes the President of Ghana," he said.
He also used the opportunity to caution the former President against the use of his office or name for his campaign ahead of the December 7 polls.
"As the Special Prosecutor who personifies the Office of the Special Prosecutor, I find such statements patronizing, and needless within the objects, mandate, and functions granted to the Office under the Office of the special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959).
"These pronouncements constitute interferences with and attempts to influence the independent mandate of this Office to investigate and prosecute certain electoral offences apportioned to this Office under the law which constitute corruption and corruption-related offences as clearly stated in Section 79 of Act 959," he said.
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