President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has detailed extensive reforms his government has introduced to combat corruption.
Speaking at the annual Ghana Bar Association’s Conference in Kumasi, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo highlighted that his administration’s approach has been comprehensive, incorporating legislative, administrative, and technological changes to enhance accountability and transparency throughout the government.
He noted that a central element of this effort has been the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, an independent body charged with investigating and prosecuting corruption cases.
“We have created the Office of the Special Prosecutor, a crucial institution in the fight against corruption, and equipped it with the tools necessary to prosecute those who seek to exploit the Ghanaian people for personal gain,” the President asserted.
He emphasized several key legal reforms introduced under his government, including the Witness Protection Act (2018), the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Act (2020) – which elevated corruption to a felony – and the Anti-Money Laundering Act. These laws, he noted, have bolstered Ghana’s capacity to hold individuals accountable for corrupt activities.
In addition to legal reforms, President Akufo-Addo underscored the role of technology in reducing corruption. His administration has implemented digital platforms to oversee public procurement processes, thereby minimizing human intervention and the potential for corrupt practices. He referenced the Auditor-General’s 2023 report, which revealed a 32% reduction in financial irregularities in the public sector, attributing this improvement to technological advancements.
Despite these efforts, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged criticism from the opposition, particularly from National Democratic Congress (NDC) leader John Dramani Mahama, who has accused the government of corruption. In his defense, Akufo-Addo pointed out that reputable public institutions have cleared both his government and family members of any misconduct allegations. He remarked, “I will leave it to the judgment of the Ghanaian public to decide whether it is preferable to be a ‘clearing agent’ or ‘Government Official One,’” referring to a notorious corruption scandal linked to the previous Mahama administration.
The President affirmed that the fight against corruption is an ongoing effort, driven by a comprehensive framework of reforms that he believes will have a lasting impact on Ghana’s governance. He noted that since taking office in 2017, budgetary allocations for key anti-corruption institutions – including the Office of the Auditor-General, the Judiciary, the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO), and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) – have increased significantly. According to the President, these actions reflect his administration’s strong commitment to eradicating corruption and promoting accountability.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com
