President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo-Danquah Akufo-Addo has insisted his government is keen on fighting corruption in Ghana.
Addressing the esteemed members of the Ghana Bar Association in Cape Coast, President Akufo-Addo spoke passionately about his unwavering commitment to upholding due process in this crucial fight.
“Charity, they say, begins at home, that is why, so far, every single alleged act of corruption levelled against any of my appointees has been investigated by independent bodies, such as CHRAJ, the CID, and, in some cases, by Parliament itself.”
He also expressed belief in the separation of powers and the importance of the judiciary’s role in determining guilt or innocence.
“It is not my job to clear or convict any person accused of wrongdoing, or of engaging in acts of corruption. That is the job of the courts and the law enforcement agencies.”
He emphasized that his duty as President was to act on allegations of corruption, promptly referring the issues to the proper investigative agencies for impartial inquiry and action.
Speaking at the Annual Bar Conference of the Ghana Bar Association at the University of Cape Coast, President Akufo Addo acknowledged those who criticized his method of proceeding, labelling him a “clearing agent.”
But he remained steadfast in his commitment to due process, refusing to succumb to the pressure of mere allegations.
“I will not set aside due process in the fight against corruption, no matter how much opprobrium this incurs for me,” he said.
The President recounted a series of allegations against government officials from various sectors.
From the Energy Ministry to the Office of the President, from the Finance Ministry to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, each accusation he explained had been thoroughly investigated by authorized state institutions, not by himself.
He highlighted the transparency of the investigations, stating, “They have all been investigated and, in most cases, cleared by the authorized institutions of our state, and not by President Akufo-Addo.”
The President emphasized that numerous officials from the previous administration had also faced trials and convictions for corruption-related offences, showcasing the commitment to justice in Ghana.
Read also: Full text: Akufo-Addo’s speech at the Ghana Bar Association Conference in Cape Coast
Source: Aba Aikins Appah&Rosemond Asmah/ATLFMNEWS
