Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia is optimistic the Special Prosecutor Act will be an active instrument in fighting corruption and ensuring the prudent use of state resources.
Parliament passed the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill a few weeks ago, and it has since been assented to by the President.
Speaking at the 86th Annual National Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslims Mission at Pomadze near Winneba in the Central Region, Dr. Bawumia further indicated that, public officials will now be cautious in their dealings for fear of incurring the wrath of the Special Prosecutor.
“The signing of the Special Prosecutor Bill into law is a significant step in the President’s determination to fight corruption in the public life of our dear nation. Both past and present public officers will be under the microscope to account for their actions and inaction. This will help fight corruption and ensure the prudent use of resources for the benefit of all. The Special Prosecutor’s Act is going to be an instrument to help ensure discipline.”
The setting up of the office of the Special Prosecutor was one of the key campaign promises made by President Nana Akufo-Addo ahead of his election victory in 2016, and it is aimed at tackling corruption.
When operational, the Special Prosecutor’s office will be independent of the Executive, which observers believe will allow it to adequately deal with corruption-related issues which have plagued past governments.
This Bill is expected to, among other things, define the modalities for the appointment and operations of the Special Prosecutor.
The office of the Special Prosecutor will have the mandate to investigate and prosecute cases of alleged corruption under the Public Procurement Act 203 Act 63, and other corruption-related offenses implicating public officers, political office holders and their accomplices in the public sector.
The Prosecutor will also be mandated to trace and recover the proceeds from corrupt acts.
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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana