Vitus Azeem, a prominent anti-corruption campaigner, has denounced the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)’s justification for discontinuing an investigation into alleged bribery involving some Majority Members of Parliament (MPs). The OSP, led by Kissi Agyebeng, announced its decision on December 28, 2023, citing doubts about the credibility of key witnesses.
In the statement, Agyebeng stated that his office could not proceed with the alleged case of a businessman attempting to bribe MPs to prevent them from impeaching Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. The OSP expressed concerns that the responses from Asante Akim MP, Andy Appiah-Kubi, the accuser, and the unidentified businessman seemed “rehearsed and well-choreographed,” leading to consistent denials.
However, Azeem strongly disagrees with this explanation, asserting that the OSP should have explored alternative avenues to uncover the truth. During an interview on Joy FM’s Newsnite, he questioned why the 87 NPP MPs did not pursue the matter and whether the OSP possessed the authority to compel individuals to provide evidence.
“I don’t think that the reasons are tenable. How did the 87 NPP MPs decide not to pursue the matter? That is one question you will be asking. Why did they make those allegations which were unfounded, if they did not have a basis? Can’t the Office of the Special Prosecutor compel the people to give the evidence? Doesn’t he have the power to compel these people to give evidence? So based on that, I think that the reasons given by the Office of the Special Prosecutor are not tenable,” Azeem expressed.
The controversy dates back to October 2022 when approximately 80 New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs called for the removal of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, citing alleged poor performance. The MPs also demanded the resignation or removal of Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen.
Andy Appiah-Kubi, MP for Asante Akyem North, communicated these demands to the Presidency, warning that the Majority Caucus in parliament would withhold support for government business until their requests were met.
During this period, an unnamed businessman attempted to mediate the situation by meeting with some of the legislators. Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu confirmed the businessman’s involvement but noted that he was discouraged from participating further.
Andy Appiah-Kubi later revealed in an interview that the businessman’s attempt to influence the Majority Caucus to withdraw their request.
