The Progressive People’s Party wishes to call on the “Honourable” Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North and First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Barton Oduro to resign in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling in the Martin Amidu versus Waterville case.
It will be recalled that Mr. Barton Oduro played very significant roles that put the State in jeopardy in his handling of the unwarranted claims by Waterville Holdings Limited. Mr. Barton Oduro was on record to have defended his actions not to defend the Republic of Ghana as Deputy Attorney-General to the effect that the State did not have a defence against the frivolous claims made by Waterville Holdings Limited.
We believe that a resignation from him would restore dignity to Parliament especially to the position of Deputy Speaker. Mr. Barton Oduro should resign as MP as a sign of respect and remorse for his actions against the State when he was Deputy Minister of Justice and Attorney-General.
The PPP campaigned on the platform of incorruptible leadership and we wish to hold Mr. Barton Oduro to this principle. We cannot continue to glorify persons whose actions or omissions have injured the State by giving them additional responsibilities especially in positions where they are expected to hold governments or the executive accountable.
Public Service is good and honourable and that is the reason why public officers must have the courage, respect and honour to bow out when their judgment in decision making go against the interest of the Republic. Mr. Oduro’s case is one of negligence and poor judgement and he should bow out before his party the NDC is compelled to relieve him of his position in parliament.
President Mahama should demonstrate a clear and present commitment to the fight against corruptions and put pressure on the party he leads to strip Mr. Barton Oduro of position if he refuses to resign. It has become more evident the need to separate the Attorney-General’s Office from the Ministry of Justice so that corrupt officials would not procure party cards as an insurance against prosecution.
The time to restore dignity, honour and respect to public service is now and Mr. Ebow Barton Oduro must lead the way.
We are wide awake and watching!