Story: Atta Kwaku Boadi
Former Executive Director of the Ghana integrity Initiative (GII), vitus Azeem has added his voice to the calls on the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Adjabeng to remain resolute in his fight against corruption.
According to the anti- corruption crusader, quitting now is not an option, urging him to stand firm and do his work without fear or favour
“ Kissi Adjabeng has some of us backing him, so he should not think he is alone in this enterprise”, he further urged him.
Mr Azeem made these observations on Saturday, December 2, 2023 on Amansan Television’s (ATV) political show , ‘Kanawu’ in Accra while commenting on the Press conference organized by the Special prosecutor last week Wednesday .
While addressing journalists, Mr Kissi Adjabeng accused the judiciary of exhibiting some disregard for his office’s powers through the hasty dismissiveness of its cases.
Mr. Adjabeng consequently warned that the country risked losing the fight against corruption should his office fail to meet its set goals.
“As I said, I wasn’t sounding like a prophet of doom but there is doom looming ahead of us, that very soon a murderer will boldly walk to go to seek an injunction. Should I feel frustrated and resign? I took an oath and in my life when I take on the reins to do something, I do it to the best of my ability,’ he stressed.
However, Mr Azeem noted that , the Special Prosecutor deserved applause for at least , ensuring that certain high profile corrupt cases were investigated by his office.
To this end, he urged the Office of the Special Prosecutor to collaborate more with other agencies including civil society organisations in the fight against corruption.
While appreciating his concern, he said, collaborating with people or getting assistance from institutions would not hinder his work as the Special Prosecutor.
“Bring the civil society people on board, form partnerships. People think that when you link up or collaborate with other people, it means you are no more independent. I disagree. I don’t think that is the meaning of independence. You can still collaborate with people and do your work as expected of you,” he said.
According to him, his resignation would not augur well for the image of this country as afar as corruption fight was concerned.
Although, he said, the Special Prosecutor was facing some difficulties , his stay would also prevent certain corrupt practices which might have occurred if he was not there.
Notwithstanding, Mr Azeem was confident that, one day justice would prevail.
“As for resignation or giving up, I will urge him that he should not do that. He should continue fighting. At the end of the day, right will prevail against wrong.”, he said.
