We can’t fight graft solely with criminal law – Kissi Agyebeng
Special Prosecutor nominee Mr Kissi Agyebeng has told the Appointments Committee of Parliament that corruption cannot be fought through criminal law alone.
He said this during his vetting by the Committee on Thursday July 22.
“You cannot fight corruption solely through the criminal law,” Mr Agyebeng said.
Regarding whether or not he will be able to stop graft in the country, he said it will not be possible for him to stop the practice in Ghana.
Rather, he indicated, if he is approved by Parliament, he will make the practice a high risk activity in order to deter people from indulging in it.
“There is no way I can stop corruption, God himself will not acclaim to that. I am going to make corruption costly, a high risk activity,” he said.
He added “I will instate pressure for progress. The will be a systemic review of public agencies.”
He further explained when wealth acquired by person in Ghana can be described as unexplained wealth when he was asked to do so.
He told the Appointments Committee that if persons are unable to explain the source of the wealth as against the lawful income they earn, then it qualifies to be described as unexplained wealth.
Asked by Mr Iddrisu to explain what unexplained wealth is, Mr Agyebeng said “It is a bit too overbroad to explain unexplained wealth in criminal jurisprudence.
“Criminal construct should be more pointed, more focused and clearly delineated because of the specter of someone ending up in jail, losing his liberty or being fined hefty fine an amount.
“And so if we are to place it in proper context unexplained wealth, I would say if the person cannot reasonably explain as march against his lawful income, the amount of money in questions then that aspect in my opinion should be criminalized but if you can reasonably explain how you came by that amount of money then that should be acceptable.”
source: 3news.com
