Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a lawyer and Convenor of the ‘Fix the Country Movement,’ has remarked that within Ghana’s political history, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has imprisoned more former government officials than all previous elected governments combined since the country gained independence.
He emphasized that this pattern highlights a significant aspect of the NPP’s approach to governance and accountability, suggesting a distinctive stance on addressing alleged misconduct among former officials.
This trend, he noted, sets the NPP apart from other political parties in Ghana’s democratic landscape.
“Under Kufuor, several former Senior NDC Government officials went to jail, including a sitting MP. Former Ministers and Deputy Ministers for Finance, Trade & Industry, Tsatsu Tsikata, you name it. Most of those prosecutions were led by Nana Addo personally as AG.
“Under Nana Addo himself, 3 NDC MPs were prosecuted. 2 found not guilty and 1 still ongoing. Even Ato Forson, majority leader and now minister of Finance designate escaped jail by a toenail”.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
Barker-Vormawor further highlighted that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo shattered the long-standing belief that former presidents are beyond the reach of imprisonment.
According to him, for the first time in Ghana’s democratic history, a sitting president personally initiated a criminal complaint, serving as the complainant in a case referred to the Special Prosecutor.
Barker-Vormavor noted that former President Akufo-Addo specifically reported President John Mahama for investigation and potential prosecution in connection with the Airbus scandal.
This unprecedented move marked a significant shift in the handling of allegations involving high-ranking political figures and underscored a bold approach to accountability at the highest levels of government.
He pointed out that by taking this bold step, former President Akufo-Addo set a precedent that there should be no hesitation or reluctance in prosecuting a former president when warranted. “Nice! Nice! Nice!”
This action reinforced the principle that no one is above the law, regardless of their past or present status.
Akufo-Addo’s decision signaled a commitment to upholding justice and accountability, even at the highest echelons of political power, and encouraged a more fearless approach to dealing with allegations of misconduct involving former leaders.
Barker-Vormawor Questions NDC’s Failure to Prosecute NPP Officials
Furthermore, Oliver Barker-Vormawor expressed his puzzlement, noting that it is surprising how, since 1992, the NDC has never successfully investigated or prosecuted any NPP minister, government official, or president.
He pointed out that, to his knowledge, there have been no instances of such accountability, which he found curious.
Barker-Vormawor questioned why the NDC, despite having opportunities during their time in power, has consistently failed to hold their political opponents accountable.
This, he suggested, raises important concerns about the party’s commitment to justice and accountability in the political sphere.
“That’s interesting, isn’t it? Atta-Mills set the precedent of allowing thieves to go and enjoy their loot when he decided to be ‘Father for All’.
“So I don’t know why, but I feel like if ORAL was an NPP project, there would be sword cutting for Nsawam Prisons to be expanded in the first 10 days”.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
He pondered whether the NDC is capable of transforming its fundamental nature and approach.
He questioned if the party can truly reinvent itself, shedding old habits and practices to adopt a new, more effective stance on governance, accountability, and justice.
This inquiry reflects deeper concerns about the party’s ability to evolve and meet the expectations of the public, particularly in addressing longstanding issues of political accountability and transparency.
Barker-Vormawor further questioned whether Mahama’s leadership would extend beyond his immediate family, sarcastically asking if Mahama would act as a father figure not only to his children, Farida and Sharif but also to individuals like Gabby Otchere-Darko and Ken Ofori-Atta.
This remark implied a broader inquiry into whether Mahama would adopt an inclusive approach to leadership, embracing even those who may have been his political adversaries, and prioritizing the welfare of all Ghanaians regardless of their affiliations.
Barker-Vormawor’s question challenges the former president to demonstrate a leadership style that transcends personal and political boundaries.
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