I never abused my office like this – Martin Amidu takes aim at OSP
Ghana's anti-corruption landscape is once again rocked by controversy, as the nation's first Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, launched a blistering broadside against the current Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), declaring, "I never abused my office like this." The stark accusation throws the spotlight onto simmering tensions within the very institution designed to combat graft.
Amidu, known for his fiercely independent and often combative stance, resigned abruptly in 2020 citing political interference and lack of resources. His recent comments, made during a public address, represent his most direct and damning critique yet of his successor, Kissi Agyebeng, and the OSP's operations under his leadership.
Amidu's Core Allegations:
1. Procedural Overreach:Amidu vehemently criticized specific OSP investigations and prosecutions, implying they lacked due process and legal foundation. He suggested actions were driven by political motives or personal vendettas rather than solid evidence.
2. "Media Trial" Tactics: He accused the current OSP of improperly using media leaks and public statements to prejudice cases and damage reputations before due process, a tactic he claims he rigorously avoided.
3. Abuse of Power: The central charge, encapsulated in his headline-grabbing statement, is that the OSP under Agyebeng is wielding its authority improperly – exceeding its mandate or employing methods Amidu deems unethical and abusive. He positions his own tumultuous tenure as one where, despite immense pressure, the office's integrity remained sacrosanct.
The OSP's Position & Context:
While the current OSP hasn't issued a formal point-by-point rebuttal to Amidu's latest salvo, it has consistently defended its actions. Agyebeng has previously emphasized his commitment to robust, independent investigations within the legal framework, pointing to ongoing high-profile cases as evidence of the office's vitality. Supporters argue the OSP is finally gaining traction after a slow start, necessitating assertive action that may ruffle feathers.
Why This Matters:
This public feud between Ghana's first SP and the current office holder transcends personal animosity. It strikes at the heart of public confidence in the nation's primary anti-corruption body.
°Credibility Crisis: Such public infighting risks eroding the OSP's perceived impartiality and effectiveness in the eyes of Ghanaians.
°Defining Independence: The clash highlights the perennial challenge: how does the OSP navigate political pressures while maintaining true operational independence? Amidu implies the current office has failed this test.
°Operational Philosophy: It underscores a fundamental disagreement on how the OSP should operate – Amidu championing ultra-caution and strict procedural adherence, versus Agyebeng's seemingly more proactive, and arguably aggressive, approach.
Martin Amidu's explosive claim, "I never abused my office like this," is more than just criticism; it's a direct challenge to the legitimacy and methods of the current OSP. As the office grapples with complex corruption cases, this very public rift threatens to overshadow its work and demands urgent resolution to restore unwavering public trust in Ghana's fight against graft. The burden now lies heavily on the OSP to demonstrate, through transparent and legally sound actions, that Amidu's damning assessment is unfounded.
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