It appears the Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu decided to go public with his plights after internal structures he used to have his problems resolved failed.
According to citinewsroom.com, a letter dated September 10, 2018, written by Martin Amidu and addressed to the Chief of Staff, copied to the Attorney General, Finance Minister and the Chairpersons of the Special Prosecutor’s Governing Board.
Portions of the letter were first made public on Joy FM’s News File programme over the weekend, by the Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako Jnr.
In the full letter available to citinewsroom.com, Martin Amidu catalogued his concerns including having a “small” and “inadequate office accommodation” for his 13-member staff.
He also complained about lack of subsidiary legislation to regulate the office as well as other logistical and human resources challenges.
Mr. Amidu at a forum last week spoke about his challenges for the first time, seven months after being sworn into office.
He said Ghanaians are expecting more from his office, and yet he lacks the things needed to make his office run efficiently and effectively.
“As at the time of writing this letter, there are thirteen officers including the Special Prosecutor, the Deputy Special Prosecutor and four persons from the Jubilee House forming the staff of this office.”
“The office accommodation is woefully inadequate with the Deputy Special Prosecutor, Secretary, Chief Accountant not having room for their respective secretariats. Indeed, every officer currently uses the private secretary to the special prosecutor for the discharge of their official duties. The office is yet to figure out how to accommodate and service the three detectives [assigned to the office of the Special Prosecutor] when they report for duty,” he stated in a letter.
Many citizens have shown support for Mr Martin Amidu’s letter and it is very clear that the government has no excuse than to ensure the full operation of the special prosecutor’s office.
Mr Martin Amidu only went public with his concerns, when he felt his communications with their government wasn’t heeding any positive result. It is important that, the government showed real commitments in the fight against corruption.
