GIGS lauds Special Prosecutor nomination

The Ghana Institute of Governance and Security has congratulated President Akufo-Addo for appointing Mr. Martin Amidu as the special prosecutor

In a letter signed by David Agbee, Executive Director of GIGS, 'GIGS is confident that Mr. Amidu is already aware of the political, legal and administrative landmines in the execution of his mandate, especially as the Office of Special Prosecutor is not independent of the Attorney-General'

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The Ghana Institute of Governance and Security (GIGS) wishes to laud President Nana Akufo-Addo’s nomination of Martin Amidu as the first Special Prosecutor.

We also congratulate Mr. Amidu for his nomination for the post, a position which Ghanaians look up to in the fight against corruption.

His nomination which was announced by the President on Thursday has been greeted with mixed feelings.

While many remain surprised about his nomination especially because he is a member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), others believe he is too hot for the position.

Many are reading meanings and making political analysis of the appointment, with some describing it a smart move by the President to avoid being accused of witch-hunting in the event of the prosecution of former government officials.

There is no doubt that Mr. Amidu is over-qualified for the post, and GIGS believes that his independent mindedness and integrity that he has demonstrated in the fight against corruption, won him the consideration for the post.

Whatever the President’s reason may be other than the qualification of the nominee, Ghanaians trust Mr. Amidu to deliver, and that he would use his office to enhance his anti-corruption crusade.

GIGS is confident that Mr. Amidu is already aware of the political, legal and administrative landmines in the execution of his mandate, especially as the Office of Special Prosecutor is not independent of the Attorney-General.

GIGS trusts Mr. Amidu to maneuver those landmines and take on those he should, in the quest to fight corruption in the interest of the nation.

As an astute and fearless anti-corruption crusader, Ghanaians should be proud to have Mr. Amidu as the first Special Prosecutor, and be supportive of his work.

As we await his vetting and approval by Parliament, and as he prepares to take office, GIGS wishes to urge Mr. Amidu to be mindful of the high public expectation of his Office to deliver in the shortest possible time.

We again commend the President for the choice of Mr. Amidu, and we trust that the appointment would give meaning to the government’s commitment to fight corruption.

David Agbee

Executive Director, GIGS