Franklin Cudjoe, the founding president of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, has expressed his belief that former President John Dramani Mahama would be more effective in combating corruption than the current President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
In a recent interview, Cudjoe voiced concerns about the effectiveness of the current government’s anti-corruption measures and suggested that Mahama’s return to power could bring a fresh approach to tackling corruption.
Cudjoe’s remarks reflect growing dissatisfaction among some Ghanaians with the current administration’s handling of corruption. “I should be cautious, but I think I will trust John Dramani Mahama a bit more than Akufo-Addo because, unfortunately, Akufo-Addo has proven not to be trustworthy on these things,” Cudjoe stated during an interview with Citi FM.
Criticism of Akufo-Addo’s Anti-Corruption Efforts
Nana Addo came into office with strong promises to eradicate corruption, but his administration has faced mounting criticism for not delivering on these pledges. Despite establishing the Office of the Special Prosecutor and other efforts, critics argue that the impact has been limited, with several high-profile corruption cases still unresolved.
The recent resignation of Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu, who cited political interference as the reason for his departure, has further fueled the debate over the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Ghana’s ranking on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index has seen mixed results under Akufo-Addo’s leadership, leading to questions about the effectiveness of his anti-corruption strategies.
Mahama’s Record and Potential
During his presidency from 2012 to 2017, Mahama faced his own challenges with corruption, including allegations related to the SADA and GYEEDA programs. However, Franklin Cudjoe believes that Mahama has learned from these past experiences and might be better equipped to tackle corruption if given another chance.
Cudjoe pointed out that Mahama has publicly acknowledged the need for stronger institutions and has promised reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability. According to Cudjoe, Mahama’s approach could bring a new perspective to governance and the fight against corruption, potentially making him a more effective leader in this area than Akufo-Addo.
“As I understand, Akufo-Addo has walked back on some of his words many, many times. No haircut, he gave us a dubious haircut. Galamsey, he said he would put his presidency on the line and nothing has happened because the rivers are worse off now than ever before,” Cudjoe commented, further illustrating his concerns about the current administration.
A Pivotal Issue in Upcoming Elections
As Ghana approaches the next election cycle in December 2024, corruption remains a central issue for voters. Franklin Cudjoe’s statement adds another layer to the ongoing debate about leadership and integrity in Ghanaian politics, underscoring the importance of strong, transparent governance in the minds of the electorate. With both Mahama and Akufo-Addo having faced scrutiny over corruption during their respective tenures, the question of who is better suited to address this critical issue will likely be a key factor in the upcoming elections.