The spokesperson for former President John Mahama has challenged the President to demonstrate his commitment to fighting corruption by calling on Special Prosecutor to prosecute government appointees.

Joyce Bawa Motgari also demanded Martin Alamisi Amidu updates the public on his investigations instead of publishing a list which says Mr Mahama is being investigated.

She told Kojo Yankson on the AM Show on Thursday that, President Akufo-Addo should call the Office of the Special Prosecutor to order regarding the list.

Her comments follow the publication of a list of 26 persons being investigated by Mr Amidu for various offences.

It includes opposition figures such as former President John Mahama and Mr Amidu’s decision to begin prosecution of some notable NDC members including MP for Bawku Central Mahama Ayariga.

Related: Special Prosecutor begins prosecution of Ayariga

The list also has government appointees under the Akufo-Addo administration such as Board Chair of the Ghana National Petroleum Company and National Chairman of the governing NPP Freddie Blay.

Mr Mahama is being investigated for “using public office for private benefit (diversion of $31 million O.M Group Money).”

But Madam Bawa Motgari who believes ‘charity begins at home’, disagrees with putting out the name of the former President in such a manner.

“We expect that more than anybody, President Akufo-Addo should be calling the office of the Special Prosecutor to order. I don’t think that if the President found himself in a similar situation he will take it kindly. I believe that President Mahama is not either,” she said.

Related: Full list: All 26 cases at Office of Special Prosecutor

“…if you are publishing a list, go ahead, if you are investigating tell us where you are…you should even write out of respect…

“Are we saying that over the last two and a half years there have not been petitions about corrupt activities of the members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP),” she quizzed.

President John Mahama, Joyce Bawa Motgari

Madam Bawa Motgari said just like the Mueller investigations in the US started with President Donald Trump’s businesses and finances, Mr Amidu should first focus on those in government to make a strong case. 

“I would have called the Special Prosecutor and tell him, ‘If my people are corrupt, deal with them, start with investigations...if I were the president, I would gladly call him [Amidu] and ask him about the BOST matter, et al. so please take it seriously,” she said. 

Regarding whether it matters where Mr Amidu starts prosecuting his cases, Madam Bawa said “It is all about perception and how you undertake these things...all case be case, what you want is do your job. 

“Let's get him to do his job and do it effectively and avoid the propaganda that we are seeing that office has been reduced to.”