"My office is not a witch's political hunt" – Martin Amidu denies the charges

General News on Friday, January 18, 2019

Source: primenewsghana.com

2019-01-18

The special prosecutor, Martin Amidu, denied allegations that his office would be used as a witch hunt tool for political purposes by the Akufo-Addo administration.

Commenting on the politicization of crimes in an article, Mr. Amidu responded to the complaint that his investigation of Mr. Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central, was taking place on a partisan basis.

He stressed that "no one will use me or my office for political investigations or prosecutions, as long as I remain a special prosecutor".

He added: "My antecedents attest to this fact. I retired as Attorney General and Minister of Justice in January 2012, because I refused to be prosecuted for prosecuting fellow citizens for purely political reasons. insisted on prosecuting President Mills' cousin on three roles for bribery, violation of the procurement procedure for the purchase of motorcycles for the Ghana National Fire Service and violation of the procurement procedures and laws markets for the purchase of regimental group equipment for the Ghana National Fire Service ".

Although Mr. Ayariga had not been arrested, Mr. Amidu noted that Mr. Ayariga had been asked to be questioned about the purchase of an ambulance for the constituency, which had received support of the Bawku Municipal Assembly; and the health administration of Bawku.

According to Bawku MP Ayariga, Mr. Ayariga had been questioned about an urgent letter from his office to the Ghana Revenue Authority's Commissioner General.

Mr. Amidu stated that the Economic and Organized Crime Bureau (EOCO) and his team were investigating Mr. Ayariga for "obstructing investigations and other alleged violations".

Mr. Ayariga was also suspected of corruption and abusing his office by importing three Toyota Land Cruisers V8 into the country.

Mr. Martin Amidu once again added that until now, his work has not been hindered by President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has kept "his promise to leave me a free hand for me." fulfill my mandate under the 2017 Law on the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Law 959). "

Mr. Amidu also revealed that he was investigating another violation of the law on public procurement that affects his office "directly". In this case, he stated that "the suspects have failed or refused to appear because they think they have relations with the government".

The special prosecutor also badured that "no political party card can provide insurance against the investigation and / or prosecution of offenses" within its mandate.