Corruption always fights back - Domelevo reacts to petition to remove Kissi Agyebeng as SP

Former Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelevo has shared his thoughts on the petition seeking to remove Kissi Agyebeng as Special Prosecutor.

In his remarks, he pointed out that the petition hardly surprises him because the system tends to undermine those handling corruption-related cases rather than support them.

He noted that officials tasked with combating corruption often find themselves entangled in minor issues that lead to their dismissals.

“I have stated time and again that if you fight corruption, corruption will fight you back using any means available, so it is not a surprise to me at all. You have no idea how corruption fights. Corruption is not going to fight using corrupt methods.

“It is going to pretend and use what looks like very genuine reasons, and I always say that there is the story behind a story, so the story behind the story is difficult for all of us to know, but what I am just trying to say is that to me, if you are in the public domain fighting people, others may also look for an opportunity to fight you back,” he said, according to myjoyonline.com.

Nonetheless, Domelevo said that he was astonished that the petition was presented by former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, to unseat his successor, casting doubt on his intentions.

"Where it's coming from is what surprises me. You know Martin is my very good friend, but we have different values. And I would not participate in any form or shape in the removal of my successor from office.

"In fact, in his case even I can say that he resigned. I don't think Kissi Agyebeng played role in it. I suspect the one who succeeded me had a role to play but I will not play any role as such," he added.

Daniel Yao Domelevo was reacting to a report by JoyNews that indicated that a petition for the removal of Kissi Agyebeng as Special Prosecutor has been forwarded by President Akufo-Addo to the Chief Justice.

The petition, dated April 30, 2024, was presented to the president by the former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, and was relayed to Justice Gertrude Torkonoo on May 6, 2024.

Amidu was reported to have cited procurement irregularities in the acquisition of vehicles for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and alleged misconduct involving judges and the administration of justice.

Additional accusations encompass the infringement of citizens' rights via arrests and detentions, breaches of the right to information, and the inappropriate appointment of staff to the office.

In accordance with Article 146 of the Constitution, the Chief Justice is currently assessing whether there is sufficient initial evidence to constitute a committee for Agyebeng's potential impeachment.

SB/AE