Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to fight corruption and implement reforms aimed at achieving a sustainable zero-tolerance policy against corruption. He emphasized the government's commitment to reforming anti-corruption agencies, increasing their funding, and improving transparency and accountability once the 2025 Budget is approved.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama made these commitments during his first State of the Nation Address to Parliament in Accra. He announced plans to establish a unit at the presidency to receive and forward complaints about graft and corruption to the Office of the Attorney General. Additionally, a bill to regulate and restrict the sale or disposal of public and state assets will be submitted for consideration.
The President highlighted the overwhelming support Ghanaians showed for the National Democratic Congress due to its commitment to combating corruption. He underscored the essential roles of the Justice and Legal sectors in ensuring accountability and fair treatment of citizens, addressing concerns over delays and politicization in the judicial process.
To restore public confidence in the judiciary, President Mahama pledged to uphold its independence, work with the Judicial Council to depoliticize justice delivery, and collaborate with the Chief Justice to effectively combat corruption. Furthermore, he announced the development of a Legal Education Reform Bill, aimed at reforming and expanding legal education, which is ready for Cabinet approval and subsequent presentation to Parliament.
On January 30, 2025, President Mahama inaugurated the Constitution Review Committee to review the nation's fundamental law. Comprising distinguished scholars, jurists, and professionals, the committee will engage with Ghanaians and consult relevant stakeholders over the next six months, with findings to be presented for public approval through a referendum and subsequent parliamentary enactment.
Despite challenges primarily rooted in chieftaincy disputes, the President assured that Ghana's internal security remains stable. He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution and announced plans for comprehensive reforms across security agencies to bolster national security.
