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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.
The spokesperson for Dr. Bawumia, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has criticised the implementation of the NDC government’s No Fee Stress policy, arguing that the programme has failed to deliver on its core promise.
According to him on Starr fm, the policy, which was introduced to ensure stress free payment of fees for level 100 tertiary students, has rather turned into what he described as post stress support.
He explained that students are required to pay their fees first before applying for reimbursement, a situation he believes defeats the purpose of the policy.
He questioned claims by government officials that the policy has been successful and that citizens are happy.
In his view, such claims do not reflect the lived realities of many Ghanaians. He stressed that while some people may appear satisfied, many others continue to struggle.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye pointed to the situation of trained teachers and nurses who have been picketing for nearly six months, demanding employment.
He noted that government responses suggesting it cannot accommodate all of them contradict claims of economic stability.
He further argued that economic indicators such as a stable currency mean little to people who are unable to secure jobs or access promised support.
He observed that telling an unemployed teacher or a struggling student that the cedi has strengthened does not address their immediate challenges.
On the issue of tertiary education, he maintained that no level 100 student benefited from stress free fees in 2025, despite the policy being announced.
He added that in 2026, students have already reported to school without receiving the promised support.
He insisted that asking students to pay fees first and seek reimbursement later amounts to support after hardship, not stress free education.
According to him, this approach goes against what was promised during the policy announcement.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye questioned why a government that presents the economy as strong is unable to fulfil what he described as simple and clear promises.
He added that there is a fundamental problem with the way the economy is being managed and indicated that he is prepared to explain his position further.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Dancehall musician Shatta Wale has issued a strong public statement calling for an end to what he describes as continuous attacks on his brand, following an apology from media commentator Awal Mohammed.
In the statement, Shatta Wale acknowledged the apology but stressed that persistent criticism and what he sees as deliberate attempts to damage his image must stop.
He noted that for many years, he has spoken for the streets, the youth, and people who feel ignored by society, while also promoting Ghana on the global stage and creating jobs through his work.
He expressed concern that some media personalities, commentators, and influential figures continue to target his name unfairly.
According to him, the issue goes beyond music and touches on respect, fairness, and national maturity.
The musician warned that continued disrespect toward voices that represent ordinary people could have wider consequences.
He emphasised that the Shatta Movement remains strong and organized, and that the patience of the masses should not be taken for granted.
He added that if systems continue to fail the people, they have the ability to organize politically through numbers and truth, not violence or hate.
Shatta Wale clarified that his message was not a threat but a reminder of reality, stressing that attacking a symbol that represents millions of people can have social, cultural, and democratic effects.
He called for respect, fairness, and unity, saying the voice of the people will always rise.
The statement comes after Awal Mohammed recently described Shatta Wale fans during a public discussion as junkies.
The comments triggered backlash from fans of the musician, prompting Awal to later issue an apology.
By: Jacob Aggrey
