Special Prosecutor announcement meant to sway attention from 'cash-for-seat' probe - Amaliba

Abraham Amaliba, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal team has criticised the announcement of President Akufo-Addo for the Special Prosecutor, saying it was intentional to divert attention from the revelation popping up from the cash-for-seat probe.

According to Mr Amaliba, the announcement was "perfectly" made even though it was “disingenuous”.

President Akufo-Addo announced anti-corruption advocator Martin Amidu on thursday, coinciding with the one of the days set fro the cash-for-seat probe.

The committee was set by the Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon. Mike Oquaye to investigate the alleged claims of cash from Business Expats to sit close to the President at the Ghana Expatriates Business Awards (GEBA) organised last December.

Mr Amaliba while speaking on TV3's New Day said the announcement was made by the President to sway attentions from the “damning revelations” emerging from the probe.

He further said, “What does that tell fair-minded Ghanaians… that the president and the presidency are not comfortable with the revelations and decided to throw in something to throw the revelations to the backburner.”

He continued by expressing amusement over the fact that Martin Amidu, the Special Prosecutor, who had earlier criticised the Act establishes his new office for accepting the task.

He recalled the Special Prosecutor-designate bringing out a “stinker” on the Special Prosecutor Bill, citing unnamed cabal at the presidency whom he claimed tried to influence the Bill to their benefit.

He said “I’m surprised that Martin Amidu accepted the appointment”.