The Center for National Interest and Research – Ghana: a non-governmental organisation with focus on good governance, has asked the government to take immediate action to address persistent issues of corruption and impunity in the country’s politics.
According to Ghana News Agency, it said it was unfortunate that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was perceived as a ‘clearing agent’ for his appointees accused of corruption. The organization highlighted allegations that the current Attorney General and Minister of Justice had discontinued all pending corruption cases against politicians within the current government, which was worrying.
A press release issued by Dr Dzabaku Kudiabor Ocansey, Executive Director of CNIR-GH, stated that the phenomenon of presidents intervening in alleged corruption cases involving their appointees undermined the rule of law and perpetuated impunity. He urged the government to take concrete steps to prevent presidential interference in alleged corruption cases and ensure that thorough investigations were conducted and those found guilty held accountable.
The release emphasized that Ghana’s focus should be on building a nation with strong institutions, rather than prioritising governments and political parties’ interests. Dr. Ocansey remarked, ‘We must recognise that our nation’s prosperity and stability depend on the strength of our institutions, not the interests of individual politicians or their respective political parties.’
He stressed the importance of addressing these issues to prevent the perpetuation of impunity and promote transparency and accountability in government. The press release emphasized the critical role of professionals in public institutions in defending the integrity of their institutions and professions.
The CNIR-GH cited the example of Mr Tsatsu Tsikata, who successfully cleared his name in a corruption case, as a model for politicians and public officials. It suggested that the new NDC government could have utilized this case to demonstrate the importance of transparency and accountability.
As Ghana approaches its centenary anniversary in 2057, the Center advocated for a paradigm shift in the country’s politics. Dr. Ocansey stated, ‘It’s time to move Ghana from extreme partisan politics of divisiveness and corruption, build an inclusive welfare State of economic society towards a developed Nation status on or before 2057.’
To address corruption, the CNIR-GH recommended strengthening institutions such as the Office of the Special Prosecutor, promoting transparency in government dealings and procurement processes, encouraging whistleblowing and protecting those who reported corruption, and improving judicial accountability.
