Ghanaians urge Special Prosecutor to be fair and firm

Ghanaians have urged Mr Martin Amidu, the nominee for the post of Independent Special Prosecutor to be fair and firm in the discharge of his duties.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Thursday named former Attorney-General, Mr Martin A. B. K. Amidu as nominee for Ghana's first Independent Special Prosecutor subject to Parliamentary approval.

Mr Amidu, an astute politician and anti-corruption campaigner, was the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice from January 2011 to January 2012.

He is noted for his relentless campaign against the abuse of public funds, evident in the role he played in the State versus Woyome in the famous Waterville financial saga.

Meanwhile, a cross-section of Ghanaians the GNA spoke with, said, Mr Amidu was the best candidate for the job but admonished him to be incorruptible.

Mr Yakubu Alhassan, a resident of Nima, said “I don’t think anybody can complain about Martin Amidu. We all know what he did to his own party, so we expect him to do a good job.”

Mrs Bertha Azaglo, a civil servant, noted that,” If it is Martin Amidu then it is a good choice for a start for the new office. He has shown that he is bold and fearless. My prayer is that he doesn’t feel intimidated in the discharge of his duty.”

Mr David Ofoestu, also a civil servant, said he was happy with the personality of the man to head the office but expressed the hope that he would not be manipulated.

“Mr Amidu has a big task ahead. The question we should ask is can he be neutral and incorruptible? He needs to prove more than he has shown Ghanaians by being fair and firm. But I maintain for now he is a worthy appointee,” Mr Ofoestu said.

The office of the Special Prosecutor would lead the fight against corruption and hold public officials both former and present accountable for graft.