An High Court has ruled that Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu can prosecute Bawku Central Member of Parliament (MP), Mahama Ayariga and dismissed applications filed by the National Democratic Congress MP.
The embattled opposition MP had challenged the Special Prosecutor’s capacity to hold public office, arguing the 66-year-old Amidu was beyond the mandatory retirement age of 65.
His lawyers also maintained that the crimes their client have been charged with are not listed among those which the Special Prosecutor is allowed by law to prosecute.
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The NDC MP is standing trial for charges including tax evasion and abuse of office for personal gain.
Justice Afia Asare Botwe in her ruling dismissed both applications. She ruled, the offences which Ayariga is contesting are catered for in the Act setting up the office of the Special Prosecutor.
She pointed out, they are under “any other relevant law” in the Act.
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The High Court judge also ruled Mr Amidu has been duly appointed and sworn in as the Special Prosecutor despite a case challenging his eligibility pending at the Supreme Court.
She stated that the court will resist any temptation to rule on a case the Supreme Court has to deal with. Amidu, she said, can prosecute because there is no injunction on him from the Supreme Court.
Source: Ghana/Joy News/Joseph Ackah-Blay
