I Don’t Clear Appointees of Corruptions (I am not a Clearing Agent) – President Akufo Addo

In a recent address to the Ghana Bar Association, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo made it clear that all allegations of corruption against his appointees have been thoroughly investigated by independent bodies, including CHRAJ, the CID, and in some cases, by Parliament itself. As a leader, the President believes that it is not his job to clear or convict any person accused of wrongdoing or corruption, but rather, that is the responsibility of the courts and law enforcement agencies.

Akkufo Addo Explained His Role

The President explained that his role is to act on allegations of corruption by referring them to the relevant investigative agencies for thorough examination and appropriate action. This includes the suspension of the accused officials, pending the conclusion of investigations, if necessary. Since he assumed office in January 2017, he has diligently executed his duties in this regard.

Citing Examples

Citing specific examples, the President recounted several instances where allegations of corruption against his appointees have been thoroughly investigated and cleared by the appropriate agencies. These included allegations against the former Minister-Designate for Energy, Boakye Agyarko, in 2017; the former CEO of BOST, Hon. Alfred Obeng; the former two deputy Chiefs of Staff at the Office of the President, Francis Asenso Boakye and Samuel Abu Jinapor; the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta; the then Trade and Industry Minister-designate, Alan Kyerematen, and others.

Investigation of Cecilia Dapaah

The President acknowledged that the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, was the latest appointee to undergo such investigations. He also highlighted that no other government in the Fourth Republic has subjected so many of its officials to such scrutiny.

Emphasizing on Corruption

President Akufo-Addo emphasized that several officials of the previous Mahama administration had been tried and convicted of various corruption-related offences, including William Matthew Tetteh Tevie, Alhaji Salifu Mimina Osman, and Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie, in the infamous $4 million NCA scandal. He also noted that others, including Dr. Stephen Opuni, the former CEO of COCOBOD, and Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader in Parliament, are standing trial.

Regardless of Criticism

Despite some individuals characterizing him as a “clearing agent,” President Akufo-Addo remains committed to upholding due process in the fight against corruption, regardless of the criticism he may face. None of the accountability institutions of the state, including the new Office of Special Prosecutor, have ever indicated any pressure from the Executive over their investigations.

FAQ’s

What is President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s stance on his role in addressing corruption allegations against his appointees? President Akufo-Addo believes that it is not his job to clear or convict any person accused of corruption, but rather, that is the responsibility of the courts and law enforcement agencies.
How does President Akufo-Addo handle allegations of corruption against his appointees? President Akufo-Addo refers allegations of corruption to the relevant investigative agencies for thorough examination and appropriate action, including the suspension of the accused officials pending the conclusion of investigations if necessary.
Can you provide examples of former officials who have been cleared of corruption allegations under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership? Yes, some of the officials who have been cleared of corruption allegations include the former Minister-Designate for Energy, Boakye Agyarko, the former CEO of BOST, Hon. Alfred Obeng, and the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.
Who is the latest appointee to undergo investigations into corruption allegations? The former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, is the latest appointee to undergo investigations into corruption allegations.
Who is the latest appointee to undergo investigations into corruption allegations? The former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, is the latest appointee to undergo investigations into corruption allegations.