President Akufo-Addo Nominates Martin Amidu As Special Prosecutor

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has nominated former Attorney General, Martin Amidu, as the Special Prosecutor.

The President made the announcement in a media briefing at the Flagstaff House in Accra today (January 11).

UPDATE:

The respected lawyer takes up the new role after a long standing career at the bench and his defense of human rights. 

At a ceremony at the Flagstaff House, President Akufo-Addo described Mr Amidu as a protector and defender of the public purse. 

At the beginning of the year, President Akufo-Addo appended his signature to the Special Prosecutor Bill which was passed by parliament in November last year (2017). 

It was the first official duty of the President this year, demonstrating how serious the government views the office of the Special Prosecutor (SP). 

The setting up of the office was one of the key campaign promises of the President. The office of the Special Prosecutor, which is insulated from governmental control and influence, is expected to deal with matters of corruption and issues of public malfeasance. 

The office will have the mandate to investigate and prosecute cases of alleged corruption under the Public Procurement Act 203, (63) and other corruption-related offenses implicating public officers, political office holders and their accomplices.

The Prosecutor will also be mandated to trace and recover the proceeds of corruption.

The choice of Martin Amidu comes as a surprise to many because of his political background. He has served as deputy AG under the first President of the fourth republic, Jerry John Rawlings. He was also the Attorney General under the late President Atta Mills. 

He has won landmark cases including the State against Woyome and the State against Waterville. 

Now that the President has nominated Mr Amidu Parliament will take turn to vet him.

President Akufo-Addo said his choice of the Mr Amidu is his desire to protect the public purse. He mentioned some landmark cases won by Mr Amidu.

The President appealed to parliament to expedite the vetting of the nominee.

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