Martin Amidu’s petition against SP is on a single leg –Amanda Clinton

Amanda Clinton, a private legal practitioner, has raised concerns about the validity of Martin Amidu’s petition against Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng. She expressed her doubts during an interview on Joy FM’s News File, stating that while the petition is detailed, it lacks a strong case for an investigation or the formation of a committee to address it.

Clinton pointed out that the procurement issue raised by Mr Amidu may not be sufficient to warrant further action under the Special Prosecutor Act of 2017, which allows for removal for misconduct, incompetence, or actions that bring the office into disrepute. She stated that the grounds provided by Amidu do not meet these criteria.

The lawyer emphasized that the petition must prove that Agyebeng himself committed a crime to justify his removal, not just procurement issues. She also dismissed allegations of inducing staff from other agencies as insufficient grounds for impeachment, noting that recruiting top talent is a standard practice to enhance effectiveness.

Clinton acknowledged that the procurement issue is the only potentially valid concern in Amidu’s petition but stated that it lacks substance to warrant serious consideration for removing Agyebeng.

The petition, dated April 30, 2024, alleges procurement breaches, abuses involving judges, violations of citizens’ rights, and improper appointments, among other things. The Chief Justice, Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has instructed Agyebeng to respond to the impeachment allegations to determine if a prima facie case has been made. This directive emphasizes the judiciary’s commitment to due process and fairness in handling the matter.