- Akufo-Addo responds to Mahama's "clearing agent" label.
- President commits to due process and natural justice in corruption fight.
- Akufo-Addo faces criticism for praising resigned Minister Dapaah's integrity.
- Debate on corruption and leadership's role in accountability continues.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has responded directly to John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), for calling him a “clearing agent” in the fight against corruption.
Speaking at the commissioning of the newly built office, ‘The Law House’, to accommodate the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice in Accra on Monday, June 10, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that he will not set aside due process and the rules of natural justice in his attempt to fight corruption.
Former President Mahama has repeatedly described President Akufo-Addo’s attitude towards his appointees accused of corruption as one of a “clearing agent”, lacking the appetite to deal with corrupt officials.
However, President Akufo-Addo maintained that the rules of natural justice must be respected when public officials are named in alleged corrupt acts.
He stated, “I am sure we are all aware of the statement by the former president and perennial NDC presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama stigmatizing me as a clearing agent because, for him, mere allegation without more is enough to merit condemnation of an accused public official, especially one of my administration.”
President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed, “For my part, and let me state it again for the record, I will not set aside due process and the rules of natural justice on the altar of the fight against corruption, no matter how much opprobrium this position incurs for me.”
This response comes after President Akufo-Addo faced criticism for his letter acknowledging the resignation of former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah. In the letter, President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence that Madam Dapaah’s integrity whilst in office would be fully established, which some deemed unnecessary and fueled speculations of state institutions shielding the former minister.
Andy Appiah-Kubi, NPP Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North constituency, also criticized the President’s comments as “unnecessary”. The exchange highlights the ongoing debate on corruption and the role of leadership in ensuring accountability and justice.
