Inusah Fuseini, a former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, has questioned President Akufo-Addo’s choice for a Special Prosecutor. According to him, the nominee, Kissi Agyebeng, is quite young to fight against corruption.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Fuseini, noted that, Kissi Agyebeng is qualified to head the anti-graft office. However, when it comes to fighting against corruption in the country, he is too young
“Did the President search well enough and not found a worthy replacement for Martin Amidu other than Kissi Agyebeng? Why did the President settle on Agyebeng, when Agyebeng after seven years will be around 50 years?”
“The Special Prosecutor’s position which is a risky job needs someone who is further advanced in life to resist any form of temptations due to how complicated the fight against corruption is”.
“As a lawyer and former MP, my only concern is his age”.
Mr. Fuseini’s comment follows an announcement made by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame on Kissi Agyebeng nomination as the Special Prosecutor. The nomination, however, is subject to the approval of Parliament.
Kissi Agyebeng’s appointment as Special Prosecutor
That notwithstanding, Inusah Fuseini has demanded answers on the basis for Mr. Agyebeng’s appointment to succeed Martin Amidu.
He further questioned the motive of President Akufo-Addo and his choice for a Special Prosecutor.
“I am just worried. Is the President meaning well? Will he try to interfere in the performance of the duty of Agyebeng?
“The Special Prosecutor should be in the same age bracket with the President or older than the President. There should be some kind of mutual respect between the President and the Special Prosecutor”.
Additionally, Inusah Fuseini further iterated his concern on the age of the nominee for the Special Prosecutor position. According to him, the age difference between him and the President may pose a problem.
“The Special Prosecutor should perform his duty without fear nor favour. He is coming to fight against corruption and corruption related offences, breaches of the Procurement Act and it can go both ways, it can be against the government and it can be against the other members of the public, so if he is too young like in the case of [Agyebeng], he is just about 43 years [born on 1978]”.
“The problem is the age difference between him and the President. Will it manifest in the President trying to control him, because he can be a child of the President, so that’s my concern”.
Prove critics wrong
Mr Fuseini further expressed concern about the relationship between the Special Prosecutor nominee and the Attorney-General, Godfred Dame. According to him, the relationship between the two will likely create conflict. This, he explained, will be more telling when it comes to investigations and prosecutions.
On his part, the Executive Director for Revenue Mobilization Africa, Godfred Ocansey wasn’t at par with Inusah Fuseini’s concern about the nominee’s age.
That notwithstanding, he urged the nominee when approved by Parliament to prove his critics wrong through his work.
Mr. Ocansey further appealed to government to ensure timely release of funds to the Office of the Special Prosecutor. He concerted that, this will enable to expedite the fight against corruption and also help the Prosecutor work effectively.
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