Don't politicize Amidu's vetting - Kwesi Pratt to MPs

Kwesi Pratt has issued a stern caution to Parliament on the vetting of Martin Amidu as Special Prosecutor (SP).

As the nation awaits the vetting process of Mr. Amidu to determine whether his appointment deserves approval or not, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has asked Parliament to discharge its obligations on the vetting devoid of the "shrill partisanship" conduct that accompanied the announcement of Mr. Amidu as SP.

In a statement signed by the party's General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the NDC is not oblivious of the fact that "after falling out" with them (NDC), "Mr. Martin Amidu was allowed free rein to express his opinions without let or hindrance, something he did by openly castigating and issuing threats to the NDC and its leadership".

The party expressed a few reservations saying "our issue with the nomination of Mr. Martin Amidu is based purely and solely on important matters of principle. We note among others that Mr. Amidu has previously published a document challenging the constitutionality of the newly established Office of Special Prosecutor, the very office he has accepted to occupy" and reiterated that the SP's office "must not be seen or treated as a political outpost for witch-hunting or the performance of hatchet jobs for an incumbent administration", warning that "that would most definitely lead to needless socio-political tensions and national instability".

The seasoned journalist, Kwesi Pratt shared similar views on Kokrokoo on Peace FM.

Making his submissions on the programme, Mr. Pratt told host Kwami Sefa Kayi that there should not be any partisan tendencies during the vetting.

According to him, the Vetting Committee should ensure that they ask relevant questions to assess the nomination and qualification of Mr. Amidu for the position.

He stressed that the vetting of the SP shouldn't be turned into a platform where the actors seek to score political points instead of making prudent decision that will help the nation.

He asked the Committee to put the interest of the nation before theirs as Martin Amidu appears before them on Tuesday, February 13, 2018.

"It shouldn't be that his work will become NPP/NDC. His work will be crippled if we do that. If such controversy enters Parliament, we've collapsed his job already. So, those doing the vetting should ensure that they will ask relevant questions resulting in nation building and help Mr. Martin Amidu's work instead of asking divisive questions. We plead with both sides of the House to be wary of such conduct", he stated.