President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed that members of his administration will be subjected to the same anti-corruption measures as officials of previous governments if credible evidence of wrongdoing is established.
Speaking during the Citizens’ Engagement in the Volta Region, the President said his government’s commitment to accountability would be impartial and guided by evidence rather than political considerations.
He dismissed claims that the administration’s anti-corruption drive is aimed at political opponents, insisting that Ghana’s investigative, prosecutorial and judicial institutions provide adequate safeguards to ensure justice.
“I also want to touch on accountability. We do not harbour any malice against any person and, indeed, I do not take any enjoyment or pride in prosecuting people if they have done no wrong,” President Mahama stated.
According to him, investigations are only pursued after state institutions receive and thoroughly assess credible evidence.
“It shouldn’t be like we’re trying to hound our political opponents or something. We proceed on the basis of the evidence we have received, and then the evidence is weighed. If it is sufficient, action is taken,” he said.
The President explained that accountability processes often take time because investigators must carefully examine allegations before taking enforcement action.
“There are many times we’ve had evidence. Sometimes the evidence comes and it is not substantive. That is why the whole system of accountability takes time because you need to be thorough,” he noted.
He added that by the time agencies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) or other law enforcement bodies make an arrest, months of investigative work would already have been completed.
President Mahama, however, stressed that the accountability agenda would not be directed solely at former government officials.
“Like I keep saying, the sword does not cut only one way. If we find evidence that any of our current appointees or persons working in government under our tenure have also abused the public trust, the way the sword is cutting that way, it will cut this way too,” he declared.
He disclosed that he has consistently advised ministers and political appointees to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid shortcuts that could expose them to allegations of misconduct.
“So I always caution my appointees to be very careful. Be sure you follow the procedures. Don’t cut corners,” he cautioned.
The President further urged government officials to seek collective guidance through Cabinet whenever they encounter uncertainty over major policy or administrative decisions.
“If you have any doubts, bring it to Cabinet. Let us all take a look at it and take a collective decision on it,” he added.
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