Minister of Finance-designate,Ken Ofori-Atta has extolled President Akufo-Addo for his dedication to fighting corruption in the country.

Speaking at the Appointment Committee vetting, he disclosed that the President has displayed his commitment to fighting corruption through his directives on allocations to various institutions.

“The President [Nana Akufo-Addo] has been strong in fighting corruption. His instruction has led to increases in our allocations to all governance institutions, and they have testified to that. We have also been firm in protecting the public purse”.

Mr. Ofori-Atta also added that the living conditions of Ghanaians are better under the administration of President Akufo-Addo. He also added that Social protection has increased for the vulnerable in the society.

“For the past four years; we have together embarked on a journey in which we said we had two fishes and five loaves of bread, but the economy has grown.

President’s zero tolerance for corruption questioned

President Akufo-Addo’s non-tolerance for corruption has been questioned by opposition parties and civil society organisations. Prof. Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi, the Executive Director of Afrobarometer revealed that the President’s credibility in terms of anti-corruption was “in tatters”.

According to him, the former Auditor General, Daniel Domelevo was a victim of “well-orchestrated actions by individuals and state institutions”.

President Akufo-Addo rebutted Pro. Gyimah’s argument in a statement, calling it “very disappointing”.

The President further explained that such statements were not based on facts and “driven likely by emotions.”

Martin Amidu’s Corruption Risk Assessment

Touching on the risk assessment report by former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, Mr. Ofori Atta stated that the report did damage to the country and its democracy.

He stated that by releasing his Corruption Risk Assessment on the Agyapa deal, he acted unfairly to the Finance Ministry. According to him, Mr. Amidu rejected a presentation from the Finance Ministry.

Mr. Ofori Atta further indicated that “conjectures [in Amidu’s report] are inimical to growth” and as such does not help in the growth of the country. He also averred that it stymies “policy orientation and innovation” that are necessary for a bustling economy.

“For such a report to be put out in the public without us or myself as Minister of Finance having a chance to discuss it, is a disservice to our democracy”.

Future of Agyapa transaction

President Akufo-Addo in his State of the Nation Address disclosed that government will engage Parliament on the future of the Agyapa transaction.

According to the President, the controversial Agayapa deal is going to see the light of day in the 8th Parliament.

Following the President’s statement, Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, disclosed that Attorney General is reviewing the Agyapa Royalties deal before it heads to Parliament. As a result, critical attention will be paid to the issues which were previously raised about the Agyapa deal.

“The Attorney Generals Department is working on it. He has had the opportunity to do a review of what the special prosecutor wrote about it and then the substantive work and is in the process of formally communicating the legal advice on it.”