The Member of Parliament for Tamale North and Deputy Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini has emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in governance to safeguard Ghana’s democracy.
In a recent discussion, he underscored the growing public discontent with democracy, largely due to concerns about corruption and malfeasance among key players in government. He stressed that ensuring accountability is essential to restoring public confidence in the democratic process.
“This is an important conversation to have because, as people who are into governance and key players in democracy, it is not oblivious to us that our democracy is under threat. And it is under threat because so many people who are not key players in it are beginning to question how well the democracy is serving them.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Deputy Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways
He noted that such concerns are often fueled by allegations of corruption against those entrusted with public office. To address these issues, he stressed the need for open discussions and thorough investigations into suspected cases of corruption.
“It is how we deal with such issues that will engender the confidence needed to keep our democracy alive. And to engender the support that it needs to stay alive. You cannot continue repeating that the worst form of democracy is better than the best form of dictatorship if you are not making efforts to let people see the best form of democracy. And one of the best ways we can do that is to throw the light on issues of corruption.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Deputy Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways
He clarified that investigating corruption is not necessarily about proving guilt but rather about ensuring accountability and reassuring the public that governance structures are functioning properly.
One of the key issues Hon. Suhuyini highlighted was the controversy surrounding the National Cathedral project.
“In the case of the National Cathedral, it is very difficult now to convince anybody in this country and anywhere in the world that some malfeasance didn’t take place. It’s very difficult.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Deputy Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways
Given the gravity of the allegations, he stressed the importance of a full-scale investigation to determine whether financial improprieties occurred, who was responsible, and who may have benefited from the mismanagement of funds.
“Taking necessary steps to exact some punishment will, in the long run, engender confidence in the general public that indeed our governance system is working in our interest.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Deputy Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways
Ken Ofori-Atta’s Versus the OSP’s Investigation
Hon. Suhuyini also addressed the involvement of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in the National Cathedral scandal.
“It will be unfair on the part of somebody like Ken Ofori-Atta if this matter is not even investigated. The general view out there is that he had a key role to play in whatever transpired as far as the Cathedral was concerned. For supporters of Ken Ofori-Atta and even for himself, it must be of interest to them that this matter is looked into thoroughly if they believe that they did everything above board and it is unfair for anybody to hold them responsible.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Deputy Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways
Hon. Suhuyini commended the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for its efforts to investigate the scandal. However, he noted the challenges the OSP has faced in getting Ofori-Atta to cooperate.
“We are in a technological world, right? If the man says ‘I am not well,’ assuming it is true, can’t we use any technological means to elicit the answers that we want from him wherever he is?”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Deputy Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways
Accountability and the Way Forward
Hon. Suhuyini emphasized the need to focus on the key issue of accountability rather than being distracted by side issues. He stressed that the ultimate goal should be to ensure that corruption allegations are properly investigated and resolved.
He concluded by reiterating that bringing closure to corruption scandals will help strengthen democracy and reassure citizens that governance structures are working in their interest. Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini’s remarks underscore the urgent need for transparency and accountability in governance.
He warned that public discontent with democracy is growing due to corruption allegations and insisted that investigating such cases is crucial to restoring confidence in the system. His call for a thorough investigation into the National Cathedral scandal and Ken Ofori-Atta’s involvement highlights the importance of ensuring that governance structures remain credible and effective. Ultimately, he urged all stakeholders to prioritize accountability over political rhetoric in order to strengthen democracy in Ghana.
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