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Special Prosecutor board, presidency meet over Martin Amidu’s resignation

The Presidency and the Board of the Special Prosecutor are holding a meeting over the decision of the Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu to step down from his position.

Information available to Citi News indicates that the deliberations are to determine the way forward regarding the development.

The meeting is said to have begun on Monday afternoon shortly after the Jubilee House officially received Mr. Amidu’s resignation letter and continued late into the night.

It, therefore, continued in the morning of Tuesday, November 17, 2020 with various stakeholders still in talks with the expectation of a formal communiqué from the Presidency by the close of today.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor Board is also expected to make a determination of the matter and communicate the same to the Presidency to inform the next course of action.

The resignation 

Martin Amidu on Monday November 16, 2020 resigned unexpectedly from office as the country’s Special Prosecutor.

Among other things, he cited interference by the government in his work although he is supposed to be independent and also the death of former President Jerry John Rawlings who to him, was a source of protection from the threats on his life after conducting a corruption risk assessment on the controversial Agyapa Mineral Royalties deal.

The Special Prosecutor in his statement to make the announcement also alleged that he was not paid throughout the two-year period he was in office.

He said his Deputy had also not received any payment yet.

Reactions

However, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has refuted the Martin Amidu’s claim that the government interfered in his duties or investigations.

The governing party insists Mr. Amidu was given enough freedom to operate independently.

For the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), the latest development is proof that the Akufo – Addo -led government has lost the fight against corruption.

General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia also wants all Ghanaians to pray for the former Special Prosecutor.

Staff of the Office of Special Prosecutor are yet to come to terms with the sudden resignation of their boss, Martin Amidu.

Citi News visit to the Labone office of the Special Prosecutor said staff were seen going about their normal duties in silence.

Some staff who would not speak on record expressed shock over Martin Amidu’s resignation.

Martin Amidu’s decision has been received with mixed reactions with some accusing the president of having double standards on the fight against corruption.

Others have described Mr. Amidu as one cowardly leaving his job with a betrayal of trust.

Ghanaians have greeted the resignation of Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu with disappointment. While some say his decision to finally resign after complaining of several challenges including lack of resources and recently, claims of interference from the presidency is an indictment on the President, others say Mr. Amidu gave in too easily.

Source:Fiilafmonline/CitiNews

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