Abdul Malik Kweku Baako
The Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, has criticized former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu’s recent petition calling for the removal of his successor, Kissi Agyebeng as “nonsensical.”
This comes after Amidu raised serious allegations against Agyebeng, accusing him of various wrongdoings in his role.
Amidu’s petition, dated April 30, 2024, was formally submitted to President Akufo-Addo and subsequently forwarded to Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo on May 6, 2024.
Agyebeng has been furnished for response. Among the allegations brought forward by Amidu against Agyebeng are claims of procurement breaches in the purchase of vehicles for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), abuses involving judges and the administration of justice, violations of citizens’ rights through arrests and detentions, infringements on the right to information, and improper appointments of personnel within the office.
Abdul Malik Kweku Baako’s criticism of Amidu’s petition highlights the growing tensions within Ghana’s legal and investigative landscape.
The accusations made by Amidu against Agyebeng have sparked a heated debate regarding the integrity and conduct of key officials tasked with upholding justice and combating corruption.
Interestingly, Kissi Agyebeng happens to be a lawyer for investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who was trained by Kweku Baako and there was a corruption petition against Anas before Agyebeng took over from Amidu.
However nothing has been heard about that petition.
In a Facebook comment under a post by the Executive Director of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Professor H Kwasi Prempeh, Baako expressed his bewilderment, saying, “Oh! My friend Martin! I see. Still nonsensical! I am yet to see or read the petition though! Nonsense, respectfully!!”
The Chief Justice is now determining whether there is a prima facie case to establish a committee for Agyebeng’s removal, as required by the Constitution in Article 146. The outcome of this process will be closely watched, as it involves a high-profile clash between two prominent figures in Ghana’s political and legal landscape.
It remains to be seen how the Chief Justice’s determination will impact the situation, and the news report leaves the reader informed of the core facts without taking a side in the ongoing debate.
The fallout between Amidu and Agyebeng underscores the challenges faced by institutions responsible for ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.
As the allegations and counter-accusations unfold, the public is left questioning the efficacy of the mechanisms put in place to safeguard against malfeasance within the corridors of power.
Amidu’s decision to take his grievances to the highest levels of government reflects the escalating nature of the controversy surrounding the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
With the Chief Justice now tasked with investigating the claims put forth by Amidu, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the unfolding drama within Ghana’s legal framework.
As calls for accountability and due process grow louder, the fate of Kissi Agyebeng and the Office of the Special Prosecutor hangs in the balance.
By Vincent Kubi