The Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has raised serious concerns over the integrity of two key appointees in President John Dramani Mahama’s new government, citing “rising anger on the streets” over the administration’s failure to act decisively on ethical breaches.
In a strongly worded note addressed to the President, Ahiagbah conveyed what he described as public outrage and disappointment regarding the conduct of Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine and Deputy Minister for Health, Madam Grace Ayensu.
“Today’s anger on the street concerns the integrity of your appointees, particularly the Attorney-General and the Deputy Minister for Health. Ghanaians are upset, frustrated, and disappointed by your apparent lack of concern regarding their conduct”
Richard Ahiagbah, NPP Communications Director
According to him, the President’s failure to act swiftly on these matters has fueled perceptions that his administration lacks credibility and is tolerant of corruption and official misconduct.
At the heart of the allegations is the Attorney-General’s involvement in the ongoing Unibank settlement negotiations. Ahiagbah claimed that Dr. Ayine has a long-standing relationship with Dr. Kwabena Duffour and his associates, raising conflict of interest concerns in the state’s financial negotiations with the embattled Unibank stakeholders.
“There are several integrity questions regarding the Attorney-General’s involvement – such as conflict of interest and double-dipping,” the NPP official noted.
He alleged that Dr. Ayine has acted as legal counsel for Dr. Duffour and his affiliates, making him unfit to act on behalf of the state in any deal involving the Duffours. Ahiagbah questioned whether the President was aware of this connection and accused him of allowing wrongful behaviour.
“If you know this, then allowing the Attorney-General’s sweetheart deal – where the Duffours would walk away with 40% of the money considered to have been obtained unlawfully – amounts to your endorsement of unethical conduct”
Richard Ahiagbah, NPP Communications Director
Accused of Misrepresentation
Ahiagbah further called into question the nomination of Madam Grace Ayensu to the position of Deputy Minister for Health.
He alleged that Madam Ayensu had deliberately misrepresented her academic qualifications, by the use of the title “professor” and urged the President not to overlook such acts in the name of political loyalty.
“Sir, it is best not to go into further detail about this matter. However, there must be consequences for her deliberate embellishment of her qualifications”
Richard Ahiagbah, NPP Communications Director
Ahiagbah warned that these developments were eroding the public’s faith in President Mahama’s leadership and the Code of Conduct recently introduced to govern the ethical standards of government appointees.
He cautioned that without accountability, the document and its accompanying warnings would be meaningless. “The solution, Sir, is to take decisive action to punish and deter,” the statement emphasized.
In his closing remarks, the NPP Communications Director urged the President to act in the interest of public trust. “Ultimately, the buck stops with you. Ghanaians deserve a government that operates with integrity,” he concluded.
While the Office of the President has yet to respond, the concerns outlined by Ahiagbah reflect a broader sentiment about transparency and accountability in governance under the Mahama administration.
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