President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has come under pressure by some section of the public to release the much-anticipated report involving the allegations of corruption surrounding the Finance Ministry deal with Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML).
Professor Ransford Gyampo, a political science Lecturer at the University of Ghana joining the chorus, underscored the need and the constitutional provision that binds President Akufo-Addo to be transparent and accountable to the Ghanaian people.
In a poignant statement, which was directly addressed to President Akufo-Addo, Professor Gyampo emphasized the fundamental right of Ghanaian citizens to be informed about the contents of the report.
He also underscored the importance of upholding the principles of good governance, accountability, and transparency, urging President Akufo-Addo not to allow the report to “languish in obscurity”.
“Dear President Akufo Addo, I am told KPMG has submitted its report on the SML deal. Given that there were serious allegations of corruption about the deal by a media house, I write as a Citizen to respectfully remind you that, you cannot sit on the report.
“The good people of Ghana have the RIGHT to know the contents of the report, and this is a simple truism that must not elude any government that believes in the dogmas of accountability and transparency”.
Professor Ransford Gyampo
Furthermore, the renowned political scientist and Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Professor Gyampo while reminding President Akufo-Addo of his advocacy for human rights before assuming office, urged him to honour his commitment to transparency and accountability.
He emphasized the significance of President Akufo-Addo’s actions in shaping his legacy and stewardship as the President of the country.
Professor Gyampo also posited that President Akufo-Addo’s actions in the controversial Strategic Mobilization deal would also go a long way to influence the electoral fortunes of the ruling New Patriotic Party in the December 7 polls.
President Akuffo-Addo’s Corruption Fight in Doubt
Moreover, the President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana Chapter at the University of Ghana referenced remarks by Prof E. Gyimah-Boadi, highlighting concerns over President Akufo-Addo’s track record in the fight against corruption.
He strongly asserted that the timely release of the KPMG report on the controversial contract that was signed between the Ministry of Finance and Strategic Mobilization Limited would be very instrumental in measuring President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to the fight against corruption.
Professor Gyampo further noted that the ongoing public outcry over the delay in the release of the report presents a good opportunity for President Akufo-Addo to demonstrate his commitment to improving his record as well as restoring public confidence in his administration’s fight against corruption.
The renowned academic concluded his statement by stressing that failure on the part of President Akufo-Addo to make it public the content of the report on the controversial Strategic Mobilization deal risks eroding public trust in his administration.
He argued that such a situation would go a long way to undermine the ruling New Patriotic Party and President Akufo-Addo’s much-touted commitment to upholding democratic values.
The Ministry of Finance’s controversial deal with Strategic Mobilization Limited which was marred by allegations of corruption, has sparked public outcry and fueled speculation of a potential cover-up among some sections of Ghanaians in recent times.
Concerns have particularly been raised regarding the delay in releasing the KPMG report, with allegations circulating that the government may seek to tamper with its findings.
The report by KPMG, which has reportedly been submitted to President Akufo-Addo is anticipated to shed light on the contentious affair that has captured the attention of Ghanaians nationwide.
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