A law lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, has cautioned that any move to remove the Special Prosecutor at this time could reinforce public perceptions that the government is seeking to weaken anti-corruption institutions.
Speaking on The Pulse on Joy News, the human rights and governance expert said the process surrounding any potential impeachment would place a heavy burden on the current Chief Justice to demonstrate fairness and independence.
According to him, public confidence in the justice system is already strained because of how the current Chief Justice was appointed and the perception that the former Chief Justice was not favoured by the government.
“If the matter goes before the current Chief Justice and he establishes a prima facie case, people may see it as part of a grand design by the government to weaken this accountability institution,” he warned.
Prof. Appiagyei-Atua argued that if a committee set up by the Chief Justice ultimately recommends the removal of the Special Prosecutor, the next officeholder would inevitably be viewed as politically aligned with the presidency — a development he believes could undermine the independence expected of the role.
He stressed that the Chief Justice must handle the petitions before him in a way that avoids further eroding public trust.
“It is a big test on the shoulders of the Chief Justice to ensure that the perception people have will not be confirmed,” he said, adding that alternative mechanisms should be explored to support the Special Prosecutor to perform effectively rather than triggering a removal process.
The concerns come at a time when Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu announced that he is preparing what he describes as the “mother of all petitions” to trigger the removal of Kissi Agyebeng from office as Special Prosecutor.
Prof. Appiagyei-Atua’s comments add to growing calls for transparency and caution as the petition process unfolds.