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President Akufo-Addo reaffirms commitment to Anti-Corruption and judicial reforms
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption and implementing comprehensive judicial reforms. Speaking before a distinguished audience of government officials, legal professionals, and dignitaries, the President outlined the significant legislative and administrative measures taken to enhance transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in Ghana.
The President began by highlighting the importance of the rule of law as the cornerstone of a thriving democracy.
He emphasised that the commissioning of the Law House is not merely a celebration of a new building but a testament to the nation’s dedication to upholding justice and equality for all citizens.
“The rule of law ensures that no one is above the law, that justice is administered fairly and impartially, and that the rights and freedoms of every citizen are protected,” he stated.
Central to the administration’s anti-corruption efforts has been the passage of several critical pieces of legislation.
One such achievement is the Right to Information Act, 2019, which fosters a culture of transparency in public affairs by granting citizens access to information held by public institutions.
The Act, which successive governments had failed to pass, is now being fully implemented, with information officers trained across various government ministries, departments, and agencies to support its application.
“Access to information is a vital tool in the fight against corruption,” President Akufo-Addo noted, adding “and this Act ensures that the right to information is not just a theoretical concept but a practical reality.”
Another significant legislative measure is the Witness Protection Act, 2018, which established a Witness Protection Agency to offer protection to individuals cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases, particularly those involving public officials.
This Act, the President explained, is crucial for ensuring that witnesses can come forward without fear of retribution, thereby strengthening the integrity of the judicial process.
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Act, 2020, which categorises corruption as a felony and imposes stiffer penalties, including imprisonment of up to twenty-five years.
This amendment, he said, reflects the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and its commitment to imposing severe consequences on those found guilty of corrupt practices.
In addition to these legislative measures, the administration has undertaken several administrative actions to bolster the fight against corruption. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on information exchange and collaboration in combating corruption and crime has been signed by various government agencies, including CHRAJ, EOCO, the Office of the Attorney-General, and the Police Service.
This collaborative effort aims to enhance coordination and information sharing among key institutions, thereby increasing the effectiveness of anti-corruption initiatives.
The President also emphasised the pivotal role of technology in combating corruption. The introduction of digital platforms for public procurement processes has reduced human intervention and minimised opportunities for corrupt practices.
These platforms have increased transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness in public procurement, ensuring that public resources are used judiciously for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
“By leveraging technology, we are creating systems that are less susceptible to manipulation and corruption,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
Addressing accusations from political opponents, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment to due process and the rule of law.
He rejected claims that he acts as a “clearing agent” for corruption, stating unequivocally that allegations alone are not sufficient to condemn public officials.
“For my part, I will not set aside due process and the rules of natural justice on the altar of the fight against corruption, no matter how much opprobrium this incurs for me,” he asserted.
The President recounted a personal anecdote to underscore his commitment to the rule of law. He shared the story of Tawia Adamafio, a former Minister in Ghana’s first republic, who was tried before a Special Criminal Court he had helped establish.
Despite the political context, the court upheld the law and found Adamafio innocent of treason charges, demonstrating the importance of adhering to legal principles even in challenging times.
“The rule of law is the best protection of individual liberty in good times and in bad times,” President Akufo-Addo concluded.
In his closing remarks, the President called on all Ghanaians to uphold the principles of justice, integrity, and the rule of law.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to those who contributed to the realisation of the Law House project, including successive Attorneys-General, architects, engineers, contractors, and the staff of the Ministry of Justice.
“As we open the doors of the Law House, let us do so with a renewed dedication to justice, integrity, and the rule of law,” he urged.
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
