John Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has made a firm commitment to combat corruption, pledging not to shield any appointees involved in corrupt activities if elected president in the upcoming December polls.
Mahama assured that his administration would work closely with relevant authorities to recover funds and properties acquired through illicit means. He emphasized that his government would thoroughly investigate allegations of corruption and scandals involving public officials, their families, and associates, and that these measures would apply equally to any corrupt officials from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government and his own appointees.
He cited the case of former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah, whose domestic staff allegedly stole over $1 million hidden in her Abelemkpe residence, as an example of the type of corruption his administration would target.
In a live Facebook video, Mahama expressed empathy with the youth’s frustration towards Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s Economic Management Team, highlighting the national debt’s dramatic rise from GH¢120 billion to GH¢658.6 billion. He acknowledged the anger stemming from the poorly executed banking sector clean-up, which resulted in the loss of over 10,000 jobs and incurred a debt of GH¢25 billion.
Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has refuted claims that he is lenient on corruption within his administration. He asserted that his government has undertaken unprecedented initiatives to reform and enhance the capabilities of the nation’s institutions to address public sector corruption.
Speaking at the 2023 Ghana Bar Association Conference held at the University of Cape Coast on September 11, 2023, Nana Addo reiterated his dedication to fighting and eradicating corruption in Ghana. Despite being labeled a “clearing agent” by some critics, he vowed to continue pursuing this mission.
As the December elections approach, Mahama’s promise to tackle corruption remains a central theme of his campaign, reflecting widespread public concern over the issue and his commitment to restoring integrity in governance.