“Stop Pretending To Be A Saint” – Martin Amidu Attacks Kissi Adjebeng Again
Martin Amidu, Former Special Prosecutor
Martin Alamisi Amidu, the former Special Prosecutor, has leveled serious accusations against the current Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, alleging corruption and mismanagement within the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). In a strongly worded statement dated May 20, 2024, Amidu criticized Agyebeng for purportedly deceiving the public and misusing public funds.
Amidu’s statement came in response to a recent report by Agyebeng, which claimed significant savings for the nation through payroll audits in the Northern Region. Amidu dismissed these claims as deceptive, alleging that Agyebeng and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) have been committing similar payroll abuses within the OSP since Agyebeng assumed office.
“It is nauseating to read a report from Kissi Agyebeng today, deceiving Ghanaians that he is saving this nation millions of Ghana Cedis from payroll audits when he has been committing the same suspected offences of abuse of the payroll system in the OSP”.
Martin amidu, former special prosecutor
Amidu urged Ghanaians to demand accountability from Agyebeng, accusing him of various corruption-related offences under Section 79 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act 2017 (Act 959). He alleged that Agyebeng, along with the CAGD, has been unlawfully paying staff of the OSP without proper authorization and has manipulated staff appointments and ranks.
“Anytime Kissi Agyebeng suspects that suspected criminal activities of the OSP may come to public notice, he resorts to using his supporting rented press and media to throw dust into the eyes of Ghanaians of his indispensability to the fight against corruption in Ghana”.
martin amidu, former special prosecutor
Amidu’s accusations include allegations that Agyebeng has written and signed letters appointing staff without constitutional authority, resulting in unauthorized salary payments. He further alleged that Agyebeng has backdated appointment letters to manipulate staff ranks and payroll, creating “ghost workers” within the OSP.
In a detailed critique, Amidu also referenced a biblical admonition, stating, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” to highlight what he perceives as Agyebeng’s hypocrisy in the fight against corruption.
Amidu’s statement follows a petition he recently filed with Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, seeking Agyebeng’s removal. The Chief Justice has requested Agyebeng’s response to these allegations to determine if there is a prima facie case against him.
The former Special Prosecutor contends that the President should have appointed OSP staff, not Agyebeng, who he accuses of overstepping his authority by recruiting staff from other law enforcement agencies with promises of higher salaries and ranks.
As the Chief Justice reviews the petition, the allegations have stirred significant public and media interest, raising questions about the integrity and transparency of the OSP under Agyebeng’s leadership.
Background
Martin Amidu served as Ghana’s first Special Prosecutor before resigning in November 2020. His successor, Kissi Agyebeng, assumed office with a mandate to combat corruption. However, Amidu’s recent allegations cast a shadow over Agyebeng’s tenure, suggesting that the fight against corruption may itself be tainted by corruption and mismanagement.
The OSP was established to enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts in Ghana. As these allegations unfold, the public and stakeholders await the Chief Justice’s decision on whether the current Special Prosecutor will face further scrutiny.