Prof Ransford Gyampo
Associate Prof Ransford Gyampo, a political scientist and director of the Centre For European Studies of the University of Ghana, Legon, has described the appointment of Martin Amidu as Special Prosecutor as the most objective political appointment ever made in the history of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
The Special Prosecutor suffers from a fundamental challenge regarding autonomy and independence.
Although in his earlier critique of the creation of a Special Prosecutor rather than an independent Public Prosecutor he proposed the engagement of a person who can surmount the fundamental problem, the president’s decision, he observed, answers his query.
In a statement on the president’s choice, the political scientist pointed out that “Martin Amidu has the stature, character, competence, objectivity and all it takes to wield the needed double-edged sword in fighting corruption within the ruling party and outside the party.”
According to him, President Akufo-Addo’s action buttresses the wisdom in going beyond one’s political party if he cannot find within his the caliber of person to fill the vacancy of Special Prosecutor. “If you can’t find them in your party, go beyond your party to find them all in the name of serving Ghana. Not all positions can or must be filled from within,” he hinted.
The president, he continued, “Has demonstrated his desire to protect the national interest. I am sure he was opposed about his choice by the hawks and the overly partisan apparatchiks. I congratulate him for this bold step.”
Turning to Martin Amidu, he said, “There would be serious autonomy challenges but Citizen Vigilante, do your best for mother Ghana under the circumstance. Mr Amidu, I wish you well. Remember how you took people in your own party on. Take appointees of this administration on when necessary to give you the audacity to prosecute those who aren’t in government when you have the evidence. I am a very proud Ghanaian today and I thank the president for following one of the key pathways to dealing with winner-takes-all politics.”
He charged President Akufo-Addo to do more of such appointments, which “even your political opponents can’t really oppose.”
By A.R. Gomda