The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, which came into power in 2017, promised to tackle corruption head-on.
However, despite this promise, the government has been criticized for its handling of corruption. One of the main reasons for this criticism is the lack of political will to tackle corruption.
The government has been accused of not showing sufficient commitment to tackling corruption, particularly when it involves high-ranking officials or party members.
Another reason for the criticism is the selective prosecution of corruption cases as the government has been accused of targeting political opponents while shielding allies.
The selective enforcement of the law has eroded the principle of equal justice, fostering a culture of exemption and impunity, where certain individuals or groups are shielded from accountability.
The government’s approach to addressing corruption has been faulted for its opacity, with critics arguing that the process lacks clearness, accountability, and openness, thereby fueling perceptions of secrecy and potential cover-ups.
Contracts have been awarded and public funds have been managed without proper oversight or accountability.
According to Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, Ghana’s corruption perception index is poised to reach an all-time low in 2024 under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
He indicated that this year has witnessed an unprecedented surge in corruption cases, with fresh scandals emerging daily, setting a record high in corruption incidents.
As such Martin Kpebu contended that Ghanaians are exceedingly disgruntled and dissatisfied with the Akufo-Addo administration, which they perceive as thoroughly corrupt and ineffective in addressing the country’s corruption woes, fostering a climate of widespread discontent and outrage.
“We thought John Mahama was not good enough; that is why in 2016 we voted out JM thinking that Akufo-Addo was better. But now we’ve discovered that JM was way better”.
Martin Kpebu
Martin Kpebu noted that Ghanaians elected President Akufo-Addo with the expectation of improved governance, but he contended that the current administration has failed to deliver on that promise, falling short of the public’s hopes for a more transparent and accountable government.
Conflicts Of Interest Mar Government’s Credibility
Furthermore, some government officials have been accused of having conflicts of interest as these officials have been accused of holding positions in state-owned enterprises and having business interests that conflict with their official duties.
This has created a perception of corruption and undermined the integrity of the government as exemplified in the SSNIT Hotel sale to the Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Aheampong.
The government has also been criticized for not engaging sufficiently with civil society organizations and other stakeholders in the fight against corruption as whistleblowers have often faced retaliation, discouraging others from reporting corruption.
The government has also been slow to implement reforms aimed at addressing corruption, such as the passage of the Right to Information Act.
According to Martin Kpebu, the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) reveals a troubling trend, with Ghana’s score remaining stuck at 43 for four years under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, mirroring the lowest point reached during the Mahama administration, indicating a lack of progress in tackling corruption.
“So for four years, President Akufo-Addo’s best fight against corruption has always been at 43. He has plateaued, he can’t be better”. – Martin Kpebu
Martin Kpebu cautioned that the corruption landscape in Ghana is poised to worsen in 2024, as the unrelenting surge of new corruption scandals continues to erode the country’s anti-corruption efforts, potentially leading to a further decline in the Corruption Perception Index.
“Every day, a new scandal. One day, one scandal. That is why we are very angry. We thought he was Junior Jesus and that Akufo-Addo would live above corruption, not knowing that he is the epitome of corruption”.
Martin Kpebu
The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has been criticized for its handling of corruption due to a lack of political will, selective prosecution, lack of transparency, conflicts of interest, and slow pace of reform.
To address these criticisms, the government must demonstrate a commitment to tackling corruption, ensure transparency and accountability, and engage with stakeholders in the fight against corruption.
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