Provide your comments to impeachment allegations – CJ to Special Prosecutor

Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has directed Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng to "provide his comments on the matters raised" in a petition to her seeking an impeachment process against him.

As required by Article 146 of the Constitution, the Chief Justice is in the process of deciding if there is prima facie evidence to establish a committee for Mr. Agyebeng's impeachment.

In the letter dated May 16, 2024, the Chief Justice stated that the SP's comments on the issues raised will "enable the Honourable Chief Justice to determine if a prima facie case has been made."

"This is to forward to you a copy of the petition dated April 30, 2024, sent to the Office of the President, which was forwarded to the Office of the Honourable Lady Chief Justice on May 6, 2024.

"Kindly provide your comments on the matters raised to enable the Honourable Chief Justice to determine if a prima facie case has been made," portions of the letter dated May 16, 2024, indicated.

Martin Amidu's petition on April 30 is anchored on Section 15 of the Special Prosecutor's Act, 2017, Act 959, which focuses on procurement breaches.

Following the receipt of the petition from the former SP, President Akufo-Addo began a process to remove the Special Prosecutor from office by forwarding it to the CJ to determine the way forward.

Allegations:

A petition, dated April 30, 2024, to the President alleges procurement breaches in the purchase of vehicles for the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

It also pointed to abuses involving judges and the administration of justice.

The former SP also alleged violations of citizens' rights through arrests and detentions, violations of the right to information, and improper appointments of personnel to the office.

Mr. Amidu also alleged that by arresting individuals such as Cecilia Dapaah and Prof. Frimpong Boateng, the Special Prosecutor abused their rights.

He claimed allegations of a violation of the right to information when Mr. Agyebeng requested appointment letters and salary details of all OSP staff to be put on a pen drive for him, as well as issues with the appointment of personnel to the office.

This latest development bears a resemblance to the impeachment of Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei, the former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

The process started with a petition from Martin Amidu, the first Special Prosecutor, who resigned after accusing President Akufo-Addo of corruption and interference in the work of the Special Prosecutor.