Akufo-Addo to name Akoto Ampaw as Special Prosecutor

Barring any last minute changes, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in the coming weeks would be expected to name a partner of law firm, Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co, Lawyer Akoto Ampaw as Ghana’s first Independent Special Prosecutor.

According to sources at the Presidency, he would be assisted by lawyer Philip Addision lead Counsel of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the 2012 election petition at the Supreme Court.

President Akufo-Addo who first hinted of the establishment of the office, promised to appoint someone commands respect of the society and at the same time has an independent mind to make the decisions.

Mr. Ampaw, a human rights campaigner and friend of the media, comes into the new job as a fair-minded, but a tough negotiator.

The celebrated lawyer has defended the media freedom and freedom of speech for years. Mr. Akoto Ampaw is said to have accepted President Akufo-Addo’s appointment, and is currently waiting for the procedures necessary in the setting up of the newly created office.

“His knowledge in law is deep and has defended many people in court over human rights abuses,” says a high powered source.

Known as ‘she she’ right from his student days at the University of Ghana, Mr. Akoto Ampaw was also part of the New Patriotic Party’s legal team in the Electoral Petition of 2012.