The Director of advocacy, policy, and engagement at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr. Kojo Asante, says the vacancy of the Office of the Special Prosecutor should be filled by his deputy according to the law.
“By law, Section 17 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s Act requires that the Deputy Special Prosecutor acts as Special Prosecutor now and the President has within six months to appoint a new Special Prosecutor.”
Speaking on Eyewitness News, Dr. Asante stated that although the Deputy Special Prosecutor, Cynthia Lamptey would be the acting Special Prosecutor, he thinks if she works hard, she could be a great replacement for Martin Amidu.
“…A vacuum has been created, but she can also carry the torch. It really depends on her but the law is very clear, she becomes acting Special Prosecutor.”
The CDD Director also stated that “Monday was an anticlimax in respect of the legalities of the office of the Special Prosecutor with regard to all the hopes and the future that came with the office. Some of us were very much involved in crafting the legislation and the potential that we saw together with the Auditor General’s department was great so for it to end [this way] was so sad.”
Martin Amidu resigns as Special Prosecutor
The Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu resigned from his position last Monday, November 16, 2020.
In a letter addressed to President Nana Akufo-Addo, Martin Amidu cited interferences in his work by the Presidency.
He suggested that President Akufo-Addo has not been able to ensure his independence and freedom of action in accordance with the law.
But President Nana Akufo-Addo has rejected the claims by Martin Amidu.
