President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has staunchly defended his administration’s efforts in combating corruption amidst ongoing criticism. Speaking at the commissioning of ‘The Law House’ project on June 10, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability as pillars of his government.
Addressing the criticisms head-on, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that fighting corruption has been a cornerstone of his tenure. He highlighted that corruption thrives in environments lacking transparency, underscoring the critical role of access to information in tackling this pervasive issue.
In a significant move towards transparency, President Akufo-Addo’s government passed the Right to Information Act (RTI) 2019, ACT 989, during its first term. “The Act, which successive governments failed to pass, seeks to implement the constitutional right to information held by public institutions. It fosters a culture of transparency and accountability in public affairs, subject to exemptions necessary and consistent with the protection of the public interest in a democratic society. The Act is now fully implemented with the governing board chaired by an experienced and respected retired high court judge,” he stated.
To ensure effective implementation, the Ministry of Information has trained information officers across various government ministries, departments, and agencies. This initiative aims to facilitate the full application of the RTI law, promoting a more transparent governance structure.
Additionally, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the passage of the Witness Protection Act, Act 975, in 2018, which he signed into law on August 24 of that year. “The Act establishes a witness protection agency to create a witness protection scheme as a vehicle for offering protection to persons who are required to cooperate with law enforcement agencies as witnesses in the investigation and prosecution of cases, particularly corruption cases affecting public officers,” he explained.
Addressing accusations of shielding his appointees from corruption allegations, President Akufo-Addo insisted on his commitment to the rule of law. He stressed that all cases are thoroughly investigated to ensure justice and avoid wrongful accusations. He described as unfortunate the claims, especially from John Mahama, the 2024 flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), suggesting he acts as a “clearing agent” for his appointees.
President Akufo-Addo’s remarks aimed to reinforce his administration’s dedication to combating corruption and maintaining a transparent and accountable government. His emphasis on legislative achievements such as the RTI Act and the Witness Protection Act underscores a strategic approach to institutionalizing anti-corruption measures in Ghana.