Commenting on the petition to impeach the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Daniel Yao Domelevo, Former Auditor-General, has reiterated his long-held stance that fighting corruption invites fierce resistance from those who benefit from it, and thus the petition was no surprise to him.
However, he expressed surprise and dismay at the source of the petition – Martin Amidu, the very person whose tenure as Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng succeeded, highlighting the irony and unexpectedness of Amidu’s move.
“You have no idea how corruption fights. Corruption is not going to fight using corrupt methods. It is going to pretend and use what looks like very genuine reasons, and I always say that there is a story behind a story, so the story behind the story is difficult for all of us to know, but what I am just trying to say is that to me, if you are in the public domain fighting people, others may also look for an opportunity to fight you back.”.
Daniel Yao Domelevo, Former Auditor-General
Furthermore, he clarified that while Martin Amidu is a close friend, they hold different values and principles, stressing that he would not condone or participate in any effort to remove his successor from office, no matter the circumstances.
Domelevo suggested that since Martin Amidu voluntarily resigned as Special Prosecutor, it’s unlikely that Kissi Agyebeng was involved in his departure.
However, he hinted that he suspects his own successor, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, might have played a role in his exit, but emphasized that he would not participate in any efforts to remove his successor from office, even if given the opportunity.
Moreover, Domelevo observed that the petition is peculiar not only because of who is behind it but also because it may substantiate earlier claims by some commentators that the move is driven by a perceived sense of overshadowing, with Kissi Agyebeng’s successes as Special Prosecutor potentially eclipsing those of Martin Amidu.
“You know at times, some things, you can do, but you leave it to other people to do it because, like Senanu is alluding to, it looks like because he is outshining him, so he wants to remove him out of office, which to me I will not allow such a situation to arise before people will impute those intentions into my actions”.
Daniel Yao Domelevo, Former Auditor-General
Selective Enforcement of Procurement Laws
Regarding the procurement breaches alleged against the OSP, and whether it bodes ill for the impeachment petition’s fate, Domelevo noted that prosecuting authorities selectively enforce procurement laws, only invoking them when it suits their interests.
He cited egregious examples of overlooked procurement violations at the Presidency and Electoral Commission, highlighting the apparent double standard.
“It’s only when you are on the other side, you are not liked then they activate the procurement offense against you. I know that nobody is above the law and everybody is supposed to go according to the law but then the selectiveness, the selectivity in using this procurement law is becoming one too many”.
Daniel Yao Domelevo, Former Auditor-General
Moreover, Mr. Domelevo pointed out that numerous egregious procurement offenses, widely known to the public, remain unaddressed, noting that authorities however selectively target individuals they deem convenient, touting procurement offenses as a pretext, while turning a blind eye to more significant transgressions.
However, he clarified that his criticism of selective enforcement does not excuse or justify any procurement offenses potentially committed by the Special Prosecutor if found to be true.
His remarks follow a petition forwarded by President Akufo-Addo to the Chief Justice seeking to remove Mr. Kissi Agyebeng as Special Prosecutor.
The petition for impeachment cites multiple grounds, including procurement breaches in the purchase of vehicles for the Office of the Special Prosecutor; abuse of judges and obstruction of justice; violations of citizens’ rights through unlawful arrests and detentions; violations of the right to information; and improper appointments of personnel to the OSP.
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