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President Akufo-Addo Defends Anti-Corruption Record
In a robust defense of his administration’s anti-corruption efforts at the Ghana Bar Association’s Annual Conference, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo outlined the wide-ranging reforms his government has implemented to combat corruption.
He emphasized that his administration’s approach has been rooted in legislative, administrative, and technological changes designed to strengthen accountability and transparency across all levels of government.
Central to this effort, according to President Akufo-Addo, was the creation of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, an independent institution tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption cases.
He stated that this office, along with other legislative reforms, has provided Ghana with the necessary tools to tackle corruption head-on.
“We have established the Office of the Special Prosecutor, a critical institution in the fight against corruption, and we have provided it with the necessary tools to prosecute those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of the Ghanaian people,” the President said.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted key legal reforms passed under his government, such as the Witness Protection Act (2018), the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Act (2020) – which elevated corruption to a felony – and the Anti-Money Laundering Act. These laws, he explained, have strengthened Ghana’s institutional capacity to hold individuals accountable for corrupt practices.
In addition to these legal reforms, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of technology in minimizing opportunities for corruption. His government introduced digital platforms to manage public procurement processes, reducing human involvement and, consequently, the chances of corrupt dealings.
He cited the Auditor-General’s 2023 report, which showed a 32% reduction in financial irregularities within the public sector, attributing the improvement to these technological interventions.
Despite these reforms, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged that his administration has faced criticism from the opposition, particularly from National Democratic Congress (NDC) leader John Dramani Mahama, who has accused the government of being corrupt.
In his response, Akufo-Addo defended his administration, pointing out that credible public institutions had cleared both his government and family members of all allegations of misconduct.
He added, “I will leave it to the judgement of the Ghanaian public to decide whether it is preferable to be a ‘clearing agent’ or ‘Government Official One,’” referencing the infamous corruption scandal associated with the previous Mahama administration.
The President stressed that his government’s fight against corruption is ongoing, driven by a holistic framework of reforms that he believes will leave a lasting impact on Ghana’s governance.
He pointed out that since taking office in 2017, budgetary allocations for key anti-corruption institutions, including the Office of the Auditor-General, the Judiciary, the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO), and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), have seen unprecedented increases.
These measures, according to the President, demonstrate his administration’s firm commitment to eradicating corruption and enhancing accountability.
As his presidency draws to a close, President Akufo-Addo remains steadfast in defending his government’s anti-corruption record, underscoring that the fight against graft requires a long-term commitment that his administration has sought to institutionalize.
Medical Doctor and dietician, Dr Bernice Korkor Asare, has urged women to take greater responsibility for their lifestyle choices, particularly their eating habits and levels of physical activity, to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
According to her, although, some breast cancer risk factors, such as family history and certain reproductive factors, may not be within an individual’s control, lifestyle choices offer an opportunity for people to take preventive action.
She made this known during a talk on the topic: “Role of diet in breast cancer prevention” organised by Times Ladies Association of the New Times Corporation, publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, in Accra on Thursday.
The event themed “Breast Cancer Awareness- Promoting Early Detection, Healthy Eating and Prevention.” 
She noted that having a risk factor did not automatically mean a person would develop breast cancer, but could increase the likelihood of developing the disease compared with someone without that particular risk factor.
“Having close relatives who have had breast cancer, particularly a mother, sister or daughter, may increase the risk, although not everyone with a family history will develop the disease,” Dr Asare opined. Read More.
By Adizatu K. Munkaila
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A group of compassionate friends from Innovation Gospel Impact last Friday visited the management, teachers and learners of the Street Academy in Accra.
The visit was to interact to get a deeper insight into the operations of the Academy that houses hundreds of street and underprivileged children and find ways to support them.
The team was led by Rev. Dr Isaac Apenteng Yeboah, a former Director for West African Mailbox Club and Director for Prisons Support Foundation, and Rev. Dale Sutherland from Washington DC.
The call, according to the visitors was occasioned by reports about the struggles of the Academy despite the occasional support it enjoys from individuals and some corporate entities.
Briefing them, the Founder and Executive Director of the Academy, Dr Ataa Lartey, thanked them for the concern showed, indicating that “this is a major boost for both teachers and learners; knowing that their plight is known by people outside their premises.”
According Dr Lartey, the Academy had planned to undertake a number of project to enhance teaching and learning and also procure facilities for the children with keen interest in sports but had to shelve those plans for lack of finance.
He told the team that their biggest concerns were the monthly utility bills that takes a toll on their finances.
“We have a piece of land we planned to turn into an astro turf pitch to train the younger ones whose interests lies in making a career out of football, however, we have been unable to commence because there is no money now,” he said.
Dr Lartey expressed gratitude to the teachers who have dedicated their lives to training these children, rather than going for well-paying jobs and hoped that with time, their conditions of engagement would improve.
Moved by the plight of the Academy, the group donated a cash amount of Gh₵3,000 to settle its water bills.
They described as unfortunate the conditions of learners and teachers of the Academy and pledged to continuously support their operations to realize the dream to build a better future for the unfortunate children.
The group offered to support the school with its monthly utility bills, feeding and staff allowance and urged the Academy staff to remain in constant touch with them.
The Street Academy is located at the Accra Art Center and offers brilliant but needy the chance to pursue their educational dreams by enrolling them in public schools with others offered training in sports and cultural activities.
By Spectator Reporter
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