Martin Amidu promises to vindicate Ghanaians’ trust at swearing-in

Martin Alamisi Burns Kaiser Amidu has given an assurance to be diligent in dealing with corruption as the country’s first Special Prosecutor.

“I will treat crime as crime and nothing else. I will vindicate the trust that the whole nation [has] put in me,” he said.

Mr Amidu made this known on Friday when he was sworn in by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Flagstaff House.

Addressing the press at the ceremony, President Akufo-Addo said Ghanaians have collectively expressed their displeasure over issues of corruption.

“The Ghanaian people have, in overwhelming numbers, denounced the canker of corruption that has in recent years engulfed the public life of our nation to the detriment of our progress.”

For President Akufo-Addo, Ghanaians expect the Office of the Special Prosecutor to rise to the challenge and to the occasion and collaborate with other existing law-enforcement agencies to fight relentlessly and help eliminate corruption in the public sector.

“We expect the Special Prosecutor to discharge his duties vigorously with courage, without fear or favour, or malice in accordance with the rule of law.”

He further cautioned that the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor ought not to be used as an avenue for persecution or vengeance.

“The Office will be required to do justice to all manner of persons,” President Akufo-Addo charged.

The president also pledged government support to the Office of the Special Prosecutor to ensure its efficiency.

“Not only will the Executive respect scrupulously the independence of his office, but will also provide him with whatever assistance will enable him discharge his duties effectively in the interest of the Ghanaian people.”

The President further charged all Ghanaians to support the Office as the country takes off to combat corruption.

On his part, Mr Amidu expressed his gratitude to the President for considering him fit for the position of Special Prosecutor.

The newly sworn-in Special Prosecutor assured the President he would not witch-hunt anyone as purported by some people.

“Mr. President, I wish to assure you, that the propaganda of witch-hunting will not daunt me from prosecuting all corruption clients without reference to political consideration as you have yourself admonished.”

Martin Amidu was unanimously approved by Parliament on February 20, 2018 to be sworn in as Special Prosecutor despite a suit filed at the Supreme Court by the Deputy Ranking Member on Constitutional Affairs Committee of Parliament, Dr. Dominic Ayine, challenging his eligibility.

Addressing the issue of the suit challenging his eligibility, Martin Amidu denied knowledge of being served with a writ of summons.

“I wish the public to know that nobody has served me personally with any writ or statement of case or injunction challenging my nomination, approval and appointment so as to restrain me from accepting this appointment.”