President Akufo-Addo has pledged to exercise due diligence and undertake due process in government’s fight against corruption in the country.

According to him, the debates on standards and integrity in public life, is centered largely on the fight against corruption and whether or not his government is doing enough to combat this canker.

He however revealed that corruption is not an exclusively Ghanaian phenomenon, but one which permeates all nations of the world. As such, he noted that it results in reputational damages to businesses, establishments and undermines the public trust in government.

Citing various corruption related allegations and investigations against personalities such as Boakye Agyarko, Charles Bissiw, AB Adjei, among others, President Akufo-Addo stated that they have all been investigated and all cases cleared by authorized institutions and “not by President Akufo-Addo”.

Furthermore, he noted that the latest episode involving the former minister for sanitation, Cecilia Dapaah, is evident and testament to government’s work.

“I am not aware of any government in the fourth republic, subjecting so many of his officials to such investigations and inquiries… None of the accountability institutions of state, including the new Office of the Special Prosecutor have ever indicated any pressure from the executive over their investigations…
“For my part, I will not set aside due process in the fight against corruption no matter how much opprobrium this incurs for me…”
President Akufo-Addo

Tackling corruption head-on

Speaking at the 2023 Ghana Bar Conference today, September 11, 2023, President Akufo-Addo highlighted that the manifestations of corruption are getting increasingly complex. This, he explained, is because it often occurs with the aid of professional enablers such as accountants, lawyers, bankers, real estate agents, shell companies and opaque financial systems.

He noted that these persons provide the opportunity for the laundering and concealment of illicit wealth.

“If not controlled, corruption can stultify the economic aspirations of any nation… I accepted the invitation to speak here in order to take advantage of this occasion to place once again, my government’s record on corruption for public scrutiny.
“It will show that my government is undertaking arguably the boldest initiatives since our nation attained independence nearly 66 years ago, to reform and strengthen the capacity of our institutions to tackle corruption in the public sector…”
President Akufo-Addo

Furthermore, he lamented that there are some who refuse to accept his methods of proceeding with issues on corruption and have characterized him as the “clearing agent”. For such people, he revealed that it is because the “mere allegation without more, is enough to merit condemnation” of a public official.

Elaborating on his efforts in fighting corruption, President Akufo-Addo underscored that government has acted on every single alleged act of corruption levelled against any of his appointees. He revealed that these persons have been investigated by independent bodies such as CHRAJ, CID and in some cases by parliament itself.

To this end, he emphasized that that it’s “not my job to clear or convict any person accused of wrongdoing” or of engaging in acts of corruption, as it is the job of the courts and the law enforcement agencies.

“My, job, is to act on allegations of corruption by referring the issue to the proper investigative agencies, for the relevant enquiries and actions, including, if necessary, the suspension of the affected official, pending the conclusion of investigations. That is exactly what has been done since I assumed the mantle of leadership…”
President Akufo-Addo

Touching on the role of the judiciary in the country, the President revealed that the judiciary must inspire confidence in the citizenry to enable them see the courts as the ultimate arbiters when disputes arise. He highlighted that a Ghanaian judge must be a reassuring presence and an epitome of fairness.

“Ensuring high standards and integrity in public life has its own impact on the image of our nation, in our ability to attract the substantial amount of investment – foreign and domestic, needed to grow our economy.
“We will attract the requisite investment if we continue to hold ourselves as a haven of peace, security and stability.”
President Akufo-Addo

Moreover, President Akufo-Addo expressed that the legal profession has a catalytic role to play in guaranteeing these values. He highlighted that this would help the country uphold the maintenance of integrity in the ordering of the state.