The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has called on the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, to order the complete withdrawal of the Agyapa Royalties deal and also see to the dismissal of the Finance Minister.
Speaking in an interview, the Flagbear said the report by the Special Prosecutor does not augur well for the Finance Minister and tarnishes the reputation of his government if he fails to relieve him of his job.
His call comes on the back of the Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu’s corruption risk assessment, where he raised issues with the Agyapa Royalties deal.
The report by the Special Prosecutor disclosed that, the selection and appointment of advisors for the agreement did not meet the fundamentals of probity, transparency and accountability.
The Special Prosecutor also in the report took a look at the various officials who took part in the processes leading to the approval of the agreement and according to him, the actors flouted several laws with impunity prior to the approval of the agreement.
The former President said, the report by the Special Prosecutor is not surprising since the issues raised were well known.
“It is not surprising, the minority said it, 13 CSOs said it and so it is not surprising that the Special Prosecutor has said it. The issue for value for money, those were issues that came up but Special Prosecutor kicked in and has raised the issues. The issue is not returning it to parliament, it should be withdrawn completely.”
Touching on governance, he assured that there will be an improvement in his performance as a President in his second term when voted into power come December 7th.
“Ghanaians should choose John Mahama because he’s a person you can trust. What you see is what you get. I have the track record and I believe that having been president before, I’ll make a better president in my second term.”
He disclosed that, after years of being away from the Presidency, he has utilized that period to re-strategize and corrected some errors committed whiles he was in office and is ready and poised to do better.
Notably among his regrets, he says, is the lack of communication with the people when he was in power and has promised that, it is one of the key things going to change when he is voted for.
“One major regret I have is not speaking directly to the people during my time in office and so that vacuum was filled with a lot of propaganda. So, this time when I come I will go round and directly speak to the people on what we are doing and some of our policies.
“Propaganda from the opposition, making all sorts of accusations that didn’t exist and so if I have another opportunity for the second time I will speak more directly to the people.”
The former President also stated that he is optimistic that the NDC can win December polls and committed to a peaceful, violent-free elections.
