The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed his astonishment at President Akufo-Addo’s decision to cause the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to investigate former President John Dramani Mahama on the Airbus scandal.
Hon. Ablakwa criticized President Akufo-Addo’s actions in referring former President Mahama to the OSP for investigation, questioning the President’s motives and calling into doubt his commitment to a fair and balanced fight against corruption.
Ablakwa began his critique by highlighting the extent to which President Akufo-Addo involved the OSP in investigating his predecessor and flagbearer of the NDC, former President John Dramani Mahama.
Hon. Ablakwa argued that the OSP’s report has cleared Mahama of any wrongdoing, which makes the President’s actions even more perplexing.
“It is quite astonishing to learn from the OSP’s report exonerating former President Mahama the extent to which President Akufo-Addo went in referring President Mahama to the OSP, and further requesting the OSP to collaborate with its United Kingdom and other foreign counterparts to conduct a prompt inquiry.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu Constituency
The MP questioned whether the President’s actions were motivated by a genuine desire to combat corruption or by a political agenda aimed at discrediting his predecessor.
Ablakwa suggested that if President Akufo-Addo’s actions were not part of a targeted campaign against Mahama, he should demonstrate the same level of zeal in other corruption investigations, particularly those involving individuals close to him.
Ablakwa specifically pointed to the ongoing investigations by the OSP into the conduct of business partners associated with President Akufo-Addo’s daughters.
“If President Akufo-Addo wants us to believe that he was not on a frenzied witch-hunt of his predecessor, can he demonstrate the same zeal and commitment in the ongoing OSP investigations into the conduct of the politically exposed business partners of his daughters in the sleazy US$34.9 million (GHS545 million) ambulance spare parts scandal?”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu Constituency
The Fight Against Political Corruption
Honorable Samuel Okudzeto continued to express broader concerns about the President’s approach to fighting corruption.
He argued that the fight against corruption cannot be selective or politically motivated and that the President must be willing to hold those within his government and family accountable if he is serious about addressing corruption in Ghana.
Ablakwa warned that the fight against corruption would be undermined if the President continues to ignore corruption within his ranks while aggressively pursuing political opponents.
“The fight against corruption cannot be won if a President consistently turns a blind eye to massive corruption within his government and his family but suddenly becomes a busybody when he thinks he’s found a golden opportunity to crucify political opponents.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu Constituency
Moreover, Honorable Ablakwa underscored the growing concern among some Ghanaians about the perceived lack of accountability for corruption within the current administration.
He noted that while President Akufo-Addo has often portrayed himself as committed to fighting corruption, there is a disconnect between the President’s rhetoric and his actions, particularly when it comes to addressing allegations against those close to him.
Hon. Ablakwa called for President Akufo-Addo to demonstrate the same level of commitment to all corruption investigations, regardless of the individuals involved, underscoring the importance of impartiality in the fight against corruption.
By urging the President to take a more consistent approach, Ablakwa advocated for a more transparent and accountable government, where no one is above the law, regardless of their political connections.
He added that the ongoing investigation into the ambulance spare parts scandal will likely be a key test of President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to fighting corruption within his administration.
Hon. Ablakwa suggested that many will be watching closely to see how the President responds and whether he is willing to apply the same standards to his associates as he has done to his political opponents.
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