Corruption Watch To Gov’t: Pay 16-month Salary Arrears Of Special Prosecutor Now Else ………..

Corruption Watch Ghana has called on the government to fast track processes towards the payment of 16 months’ salary arrears of the Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng and his staff.

The anti-corruption group said the development is not only unacceptable and untenable but could also undermine efforts at fighting corruption.

A statement issued on Friday (16 December) by Corruption Watch Ghana said the immediate payment of the arrears will demonstrate government’s commitment to the anti-corruption agenda

“Corruption Watch is dismayed by media reports and confirmation by the Special Prosecutor (SP), Kissi Agyebeng and the Minority in Parliament that the government has not paid any salary to the SP since he was appointed 16 months ago.

“Furthermore, the media reports claim that the former SP, Martin Amidu is also owed salary arrears. We wish to state without any equivocation that the development is unacceptable and untenable because it gravely undermines efforts at fighting corruption and adherence to the dictates of legislation,” the statement said.

“In view of the foregoing, Corruption Watch urges the government, through the finance minister, to immediately rectify the embarrassing anomaly to demonstrate a clear expression of government’s commitment to the anti-corruption agenda. Anything short of this would not be justifiable,” the statement added.

Below is the full statement:

PRESS RELEASE December 16, 2022

Pay 16-month salary arrears owed to OSP now

Corruption Watch is dismayed by media reports and confirmation by the Special Prosecutor (SP), Kissi Agyebeng and the Minority in parliament that the government has not paid any salary to the SP since he was appointed 16 months ago.

We are equally worried by claims that apart from the Deputy Special Prosecutor, staff of the OSP have also not been paid any salaries.

Furthermore, the media reports claim that the former SP, Martin Amidu is also owed salary arrears. We wish to state without any equivocation that the development is unacceptable and untenable because it gravely undermines efforts at fighting corruption and adherence to the dictates of legislation.

According to the Labour Act 2003, the payment of wages requires that wages be paid in legal tender to all classes of workers. Law requires the employer to make timely payment of remuneration to the workers. Monthly payment is made to the worker employed on a monthly basis and weekly payment to those employed on a weekly basis.

In view of the foregoing, Corruption Watch urges the government, through the finance minister, to immediately rectify the embarrassing anomaly to demonstrate a clear expression of government’s commitment to the anti-corruption agenda. Anything short of this would not be justifiable.