The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed deep concerns about the country’s struggle to resolve corruption and related criminal conduct.
His speech addressed the partisan approach to handling these issues, calling for a unified front, free from duplicity and double standards.
He emphasized the need for leaders to align their public and private actions and criticized the inconsistency in prosecuting individuals accused of corruption.
Hon. Ablakwa began by highlighting the importance of holding individuals accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.
He expressed frustration over how some leaders fail to act with integrity when it comes to dealing with wrongdoers within their own ranks.
According to him, exposing those who engage in misconduct is essential to moving forward in the fight against corruption.
“We must have the courage to expose people within our ranks who misspeak and who engage in double standards. If we are really committed to resolving this crisis, then our conduct when the cameras are on must be the same conduct when the cameras are off.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
He further argued that the fight against corruption is not a partisan matter but a crucial issue of national survival.
Leaders should be willing to expose hypocrisy and duplicity, as these behaviors only undermine the collective efforts toward resolving the crisis.
The Need for Serious Prosecution
Hon. Ablakwa then moved to the issue of prosecution. He questioned the inconsistency in the way individuals accused of corruption are handled, suggesting that certain political figures are shielded from the full extent of the law.
“If you believe that somebody is engaged in criminal conduct, just go ahead and arrange the person. The person should be arrested, and let’s be serious about it.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
He referenced past examples of politicians, including a minority leader in parliament, standing trial for extended periods, and argued that the justice system should be more proactive.
In his view, delaying or failing to prosecute high-profile individuals only weakens the fight against corruption.
Hypocrisy in Law Enforcement
Hon. Ablakwa went on to criticize the selective enforcement of the law, particularly when it comes to political figures. He condemned the use of the police for partisan purposes, while genuine protesters and activists face unnecessary arrests.
“The same people who arrested the Democracy Hub demonstrators should also be able to arrest those engaged in corrupt activities”, the North Tongu MP urged.
He raised concerns over the police’s inconsistency, stating that law enforcement agencies have arrested individuals based on social media tips in the past, yet they seem hesitant when it comes to prosecuting those involved in high-level corruption.
This, according to him, reflected a broader issue of hypocrisy within the system.
Praise for the Catholic Bishops Conference
Hon. Ablakwa also took time to commend the Catholic Bishops Conference for their firm stance against corruption. He lauded their efforts in mobilizing people and providing a moral compass for the nation.
“The Catholic Bishops Conference is standing up, and history will remember them. They did not forsake the flock, and I am really inspired by what they have done.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
He further expressed disappointment in organized labor for not taking a unified stance on the issue, urging them to follow the example set by the Catholic Bishops Conference.
A Call for National Unity
Hon. Ablakwa concluded his remarks by calling for unity in the fight against corruption, urging Ghanaians to set aside political differences for the greater good of the nation.
“I am appalled that, on a matter like this, people will bring in partisanship. We are faced with an existential threat, and some people are concerned with political advantage.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
He emphasized the need to prioritize national interests over political agendas, as the consequences of inaction are too severe to ignore.
According to him, those in power should focus on using the resources allocated to them to address the problem rather than allowing political considerations to dictate their actions.
Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa’s remarks are a clarion call for accountability, integrity, and national unity in the fight against corruption.
His critique of hypocrisy and double standards within the political system highlights the urgent need for leaders to act consistently and prioritize the country’s welfare over partisan interests.
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