Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, the editor-in-chief at large of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, has advised the newly appointed Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, to be firm and resolute in fighting corruption.
Speaking on The Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday (6 August) Baako said: “The most important thing for me is that he must stick to his principles. As for pressure, it will come.
“We are human beings … different institutions of state – executive, Parliament and other bodies – pressure could come from anywhere, any time. The most important thing is to have the stamina, the capacity to sustain, to contain those pressures, to ward them off if necessary,” the veteran editor said.
He added: “He [Agyebeng] should never ever – and I believe he wouldn’t, knowing who he is – crumble under pressure and decide to exit. That was the dividing line between me and Martin Amidu [the former SP], who is also a good friend.”
Baako believes Agyebeng’s security of tenure is assured, going by the existing legislation.
“His security of tenure is assured … That, for me, is the key thing, because you can never tell which politicians or institution of state will seek to meddle in his work.
“Stick to the principle. They can’t take you out unless you leave like my friend Martin.”
No regrets
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has said he has no regrets appointing Martin Amidu as Ghana’s first SP.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Agyebeng as the new SP, Akufo-Addo reiterated that the creation of the Office of Special Prosecutor was born out of a commitment to fashion an additional instrument to fight the canker of corruption.
“The genuineness of that commitment – to create an independent, non-partisan body with the relevant professional capability to lead the fight, and hold public officials, past and present, accountable for their stewardship of public finances – was made manifest in the appointment of a very senior figure from the opposite side of the political divide to establish and head this very significant Office.
“This appointment, as you would all recall, was met with stiff opposition by some members from both sides of the aisle.
“In spite of the unfortunate events that led to the departure of the first occupant of the Office, I do not regret making that appointment. On my part, as President of the Republic, I ensured that the Office was adequately resourced to enable it carry out its mandate.
“I am, however, consoled by the oft-cited statement that there is no use crying over spilt milk,” Akufo-Addo said.
Fred Dzakpata
Asaase Radio 99.5 – tune in or log on to broadcasts online
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