The founder and president of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has explained why the creation of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has not significantly impacted Ghana’s fight against corruption.
Mr Cudjoe argued that the country’s struggle with corruption largely stems from the seat of government, the Office of the President.
He emphasized that to effectively combat corruption, efforts must begin at the highest levels of government, according to citinewsroom.com.
Mr Cudjoe noted that once corrupt acts are committed, the OSP is rendered ineffective because those involved have the financial means to protect themselves.
“Charity begins at home, and so fighting corruption should start at the Presidency because that is where all the crooked things are cooked.
“Look at the Scholarship Secretariat scandal; is it not from there? This Ministry of Special Initiatives, was it not harboured at the Presidency, which led to all these dams that were constructed like dugouts and wasted money all over the place. Just take a cursory look at that office,” he is quoted to have said on The Big Issue programme on Citi FM.
He added, “So, even creating the Office of the Special Prosecutor was like battling after the facts were established, and people with deep pockets will fight you because they have made enough money to fight you through. We at IMANI say that fighting corruption and waste begins at the Presidency.”
Mr Cudjoe’s comments follow President Akufo-Addo’s decision to forward a petition for the removal of Kissi Agyebeng as Special Prosecutor to the Chief Justice.
The petition, dated April 30, 2024, was submitted by former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu and was relayed to Justice Gertrude Torkonoo on May 6, 2024.
Mr Amidu’s petition cited procurement irregularities in acquiring vehicles for the OSP and alleged misconduct involving judges and the administration of justice.
Additional accusations included violations of citizens’ rights through arrests and detentions, breaches of the right to information, and the inappropriate appointment of staff to the office.
Under Article 146 of the Constitution, the Chief Justice is currently assessing whether there is sufficient initial evidence to establish a committee for Agyebeng’s potential impeachment.
tigpost.co