Addressing the 5th Annual General Conference of NDC lawyers, Mr. Kwetey stopped short of naming those involved but warned that such actions undermine the party’s fight against corruption.

“Many among us, despite pleas and pressure that punishment must be properly meted, are busy trying to cut deals with people who are supposed to be prosecuted,” he said.

He added, “Some are becoming conduits through whom pressure is being brought to bear on people who are supposed to do what is right. I may not mention names, but a time will come when we may have to.”

The comments come amid the NDC’s renewed pledge to recover assets allegedly lost to corruption through its Operation Recover All Loots initiative, which aims to prosecute individuals found culpable. Investigations into some officials of the previous government are already underway.

Mr. Kwetey stressed that the party’s credibility and electoral fortunes depend on demonstrating a strong stance against corruption. “The people want what is right, and what is right needs to be done,” he said.

He further urged the Attorney General and his team to remain steadfast in carrying out their mandate. “Attorney General, please continue to be strong, continue to be firm, you and your team. If you succumb, the problem will be you,” he warned.

According to Mr. Kwetey, those trying to shield corrupt actors today may later attempt to blame the Attorney General’s office for inefficiency.

Source: Adomonline

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According to him, allowing offenders to simply refund misappropriated money without facing punishment sets a dangerous precedent that encourages corruption.

“The recovery of the money is good. It’s okay. We should do that,” the current Director General of the Securities and Exchanges Commission acknowledged in an interview on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition.

“But that should not mean that we are focusing only on the recovery of the money and leaving the punishment part.”

He painted a stark picture of how corrupt individuals continue to benefit from their actions despite being caught.

“Someone takes $10 million of government money and trades on that money, makes an additional $5 million, and is caught. They have to pay only the $10 million. How about the $5 million profit or interest that the person has made?” he questioned.

Mr Avedzi insisted that corruption should not be treated as a financial transaction where one can simply return what was stolen and walk free.

“We recover the money, but we must punish the person,” he stressed, warning that failure to enforce strict punitive measures only emboldens corrupt officials.

He expressed frustration over how some individuals see public funds as personal assets they can take and later return without repercussions.

“In any case, why do you want to take government’s money and then later give it back? Government needs money to do projects for everybody, but you want to take it as an individual. It’s wrong.”

Mr Avedzi’s comments add to growing calls for harsher legal actions against public officials cited in the Auditor General’s reports for misappropriating state resources.

While recovery efforts remain a necessary step, the failure to criminalize and penalize offenders continues to fuel a culture of impunity within Ghana’s public sector.

With these concerns, the former PAC Chairman is pushing for a shift from mere reimbursements to stringent legal consequences, ensuring that those who steal from the state face the full force of the law.

Dr. Sai’s remarks follow a reported incident on March 19, 2025, when a group of heavily armed men, suspected to be operatives from the National Security Secretariat, stormed the private residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, at Roman Ridge, Accra, while he was at home with his family.

Speaking at the launch of a project by GIZ aimed at strengthening the rule of law and combating corruption in Ghana, Dr. Sai addressed the divided public opinion surrounding the handling of the case. He acknowledged that while some feel the Attorney General’s office is moving too slowly, others believe it is being too aggressive.

“There are two sides to this,” he said. “One group believes that the Attorney General is too slow, while another group feels the Attorney General is too aggressive. Last night, searches were conducted at several homes, and the views remain divided.”

Despite these differing perspectives, Dr. Sai assured the public that the Attorney General’s office remains committed to pursuing individuals suspected of looting state assets, whether financial or material. He emphasized that this will be done within the framework of the rule of law, ensuring human rights are respected and no laws are violated in the process.

“We are working day and night to ensure this is done,” he said. “Most importantly, we are doing so within the framework of the rule of law. There have been instances in the past where suspects were arrested in ways that violated the rule of law, infringing on human rights and breaking other laws. This will not happen under our watch.”

Dr. Sai also addressed concerns about the legal process, recalling cases where individuals were put on trial for years without evidence, leading to unnecessary legal expenses. He emphasized that his office is committed to ensuring there is sufficient evidence before taking any case to court.

“We are determined to avoid such situations,” he said. “When I say ‘we,’ I mean my boss, the Attorney General, who firmly believes that no one should be put before the court without sufficient evidence to prosecute them.”

Dr. Sai concluded by explaining that what may seem like delays in legal proceedings are actually efforts to ensure that the evidence is solid before pursuing legal action.

“We are not in the business of putting people before the court and then seeking permission to look for evidence,” he stated. “We must have sufficient evidence to proceed before the criminal court.”

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He disclosed that the committee is set to present its report next week.

Speaking during his ‘Thank You’ tour of the Central Region on Thursday, February 6, Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption, both within his government and in previous administrations.

He assured Ghanaians that his government will prioritize the interests of all citizens, not just a privileged few, emphasizing that accountability remains a key pillar of his leadership.

“Next week, the ORAL Committee that I set up is going to present its report to me. And I will refer it to the investigative organizations to start their investigations against people who have misappropriated the resources of this nation,” he stated.

Mahama also reaffirmed plans to introduce a robust accountability framework and a code of conduct for individuals in positions of trust.

He emphasized that his administration will apply the same ethical standards to both former and current government officials.

“Even as we investigate those who have just left office and carry out our Operation Recover All Loot, those who are current office bearers should also know that they will be held to the same standard as we are holding the past regime,” he asserted.

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Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang speaking at her official presentation on Wednesday said this was a consensus reached by the party.

The former Education Minister pointed out that, it is a step to hold public officers accountable, emphasising concerns raised by the rank and file of the country.

“Across the political divide, across social and professional groupings, among the youth, you hear of complaints and stories concerning state capture, where this government has chosen to use its power not in the broader interest of all Ghanaians but to favor a small clique. What is that?

“John and I have agreed, that whoever has participated in the plunder of the state must be held accountable. This is not a threat; it is a promise, premised on the wishes of our citizens across the various political and social divides, and hinged on the principle of accountability,” she stated.

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The president believes this will help strengthen the diplomatic relations that exist between Ghana and members of the diplomatic community and also help to deal with corruption completely.

President Akufo-Addo’s comments come after allegations of corruption were made against his government by some members of the diplomatic corps.

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The President made the call while speaking at Peduase in the Eastern Region at this year’s New Year Greetings and Diplomatic Reception on Tuesday.

“Should you, members of the diplomatic corps be notified of any evidence of corruption against any of my appointees, I insist that they should be shared with my office to enable action to be taken on the matter,” the President urged.

Meanwhile, he stressed these reports of corruption related activities must be backed by evidence.

He added every act of corruption against his appointees have been investigated with two members of the current Executives under investigations.