Live above reproach – President charges Amidu

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reminded the Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, of the magnitude of his job and the confidence reposed in him by Ghanaians to lead the fight against the plethora of corruption cases in public office in the country.

He cautioned that under no circumstance should the Office of the Special Prosecutor be used arbitrarily or as an avenue for persecution and vengeance.

"The Ghanaian people expect the Office of the Special Prosecutor to rise to the challenge and to the occasion and collaborate with other existing law enforcement agencies to fight relentlessly and help eliminate corruption in our public life. We expect the Special Prosecutor to discharge his duties vigorously with courage without fear or favour, ill-will or malice in accordance with the rule of law."

The President made these statements when he swore in Mr Amidu as Special Prosecutor, at the seat of government last Friday.

According to the President, the New Patriotic Party’s response to the strong sentiment of growing corruption in the country was to pledge the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor – an independent, non-partisan body with the relevant professional capability to lead the fight against corruption and hold public officials, past and present, accountable for their stewardship of public finances.

He was, however, confident that the overwhelming popular acceptance of the people of Ghana and the strong consensus approval by parliament of Mr Amidu's nomination justify the confidence he reposed in him and his ability to deliver.

"Indeed, his eloquence and grasp of issues displayed to the public during his recent vetting is further testimony of the soundness of his appointment."

The President assured Mr Amidu that not only will the Executive, including the Attorney-General, respect the independence of his office, but will also provide whatever assistance is required to enable him discharge his high office and duties effectively.

He called for the support of all stakeholders and the general public to help make the Special Prosecutor successful in his duties.

"The Special Prosecutor cannot do it all by himself; he requires the active co-operation of all the institutions of state, as well as that of the general public, if he is to be successful in the fight against corruption," the President added.

In his remarks after the swearing-in ceremony, the former Attorney-General and anti-corruption campaigner, Mr Amidu assured the general public of his resolve to restore sanity in the conduct of public office.

He stressed that his fight against corruption will not be dampened by the propaganda about witch-hunting.

"I wish to assure you that the propaganda about witch-hunting will not dampen me," he emphasised.