Private Legal Practitioner Lamtiig Apanga says the petition to impeach Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng defeats the nation's fight against corruption.

According to him, corruption, being a major canker befalling Ghana requires an all-hands-on-deck approach; however, Mr Agyebeng, since assuming office, has been left to fight alone.

It is therefore worrying that attempts are being made to remove him from office because it sends a bad signal.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on May 17, he said, “The petitioning for the removal of the OSP would mean that our fight against corruption is being defeated. And we all know that the Office of the Special Prosecutor was established to assist the country in the fight against corruption. If that is not even the exact aim, that is what was meant to be."

"And to see that having failed with Martin Amidu and now we have Kissi Agyebeng, who we all thought would be a good replacement for Martin Amidu to help fight against corruption, then we hear that there’s a petition filed for his removal, it’s quite disappointing and actually demoralises every Ghanaian who seeks to support the fight against corruption. It is quite unfortunate and quite disappointing."

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His comments follow a petition dated April 30, 2024 , sent President Akufo-Addo by former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu and conveyed to Justice Gertrude Torkornoo on May 6, 2024, which seeks to remove Kissi Agyebeng as Special Prosecutor.

Mr Amidu alleged procurement breaches in the purchase of vehicles for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and abuses involving judges and the administration of justice.

Other allegations include violations of citizens’ rights through arrests and detentions, violations of the right to information act, and improper appointment of personnel to the office.

Touching on the petition, Mr Apanga explained that the Office of Special Prosecutor has not had the necessary support from the government to perform its role, and the government seems to be embarrassed by some of the cases the Special Prosecutor has carried out.

As such, "The government themselves are happy to show him the exit, and it is not surprising that the President has acted quickly to forward the letter to the Chief Justice to examine whether or not there is a prima facie case that will require a committee to be set up."

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He stressed that this action by the President suggests that he is not ready to fight corruption.

Also, the legal practitioner said the swiftness with which the president acted fuels the perception that President Akufo-Addo was not ready to fight corruption.

Stressing the President's swiftness in seeking action in this case, he said there have been other petitions that required similar prompt attention, but the Presidency has ignored them. He stressed that there was some inconsistency at the Executive level, which makes it difficult to believe that the President was acting in good faith.