At the Annual Ghana Bar Association (GBA) Conference in Kumasi on September 9, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo charged opposition figures with orchestrating a politically motivated campaign designed to tarnish his reputation, his family’s, and his government’s with allegations of corruption.
He claimed these accusations are retaliatory, aimed at diverting attention from the corruption scandals of the previous John Mahama administration, which have led to criminal convictions and are still under prosecution.
“I am aware that there is a deliberate, politically motivated effort to portray my government, my family, and myself as corrupt,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
He characterized the present situation as a backlash against the scrutiny and legal challenges confronting the Mahama administration.
In response to opposition leaders who have dubbed him a “clearing agent,” President Akufo-Addo reiterated his dedication to upholding due process in combating corruption.
“The leader of the opposition, the perennial NDC presidential candidate, continues to describe me as a ‘clearing agent.’ It is important that I reiterate that I will not, under any circumstance, abandon the course of due process in the fight against corruption. Be that as it may, in any event, I will leave it to the judgment of the Ghanaian public to decide whether it is preferable to be a ‘clearing agent’ or a government official one,” he noted.
President Akufo-Addo also stressed his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding human rights.
He highlighted the government’s initiatives aimed at ensuring accountability and preserving democratic values, both within Ghana and on the global stage.
“We have established mechanisms to ensure that those who abuse their power are held accountable. In the international arena, we have sought to uphold the rule of law and champion democratic values. Ghana’s voice has been strong in defending international law and human rights and advocating for democracy on the global stage,” President Akufo-Addo added.