President Akufo-Addo has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to combatting corruption in his address at the Annual Bar Conference of the Ghana Bar Association held in Cape Coast.
Mr. Akufo-Addo emphasized the paramount importance of adhering to established due processes in the relentless fight against this detrimental issue.
The president elaborated on the concrete steps his government has taken to bolster anti-corruption institutions across the nation. Notably, he highlighted the enactment of the Right to Information Bill as a key milestone in this endeavor.
Acknowledging concerns about his approach to tackling corruption, President Akufo-Addo admitted that he has faced criticism for what some perceive as a measured response to allegations of wrongdoing. Nevertheless, he underscored the critical nature of adhering to due process, even if it might extend the timeline to reach a resolution.
President Akufo-Addo firmly stated that it is not within his purview to either exonerate or convict individuals accused of corruption. This responsibility, he emphasized, rightfully rests with the judicial and law enforcement bodies. His role, he emphasized, is to refer allegations of corruption to the appropriate investigative agencies for comprehensive scrutiny and subsequent action. This could include the temporary suspension of implicated officials pending the conclusion of investigations, as demonstrated in the recent case involving former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
Assuring the public of his government’s unwavering commitment to an equitable and impartial fight against corruption, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that no one is above the law. He stressed that there has been no indication of executive interference in the investigations conducted by accountability institutions, including the recently established Office of the Special Prosecutor.
The president acknowledged the existence of dissenting voices that have labeled him a “clearing agent” due to their belief that allegations alone warrant the condemnation of public officials. Nonetheless, he remains steadfast in his commitment to upholding due process in the battle against corruption. President Akufo-Addo highlighted the pivotal role of access to information in this fight and commended his government’s accomplishment in passing the Right to Information Act during its initial term, a measure aimed at fortifying anti-corruption efforts.
In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his government’s dedication to combating corruption with unwavering integrity. He asserted that he will persist in prioritizing due process and the rule of law in the ongoing battle against this societal scourge.
