Report corrupt government officials – President to Diplomatic Corps

By
Ken Sackey, GNA

Peduase (E/R), Jan.
29, GNA – President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has asked diplomats in Ghana to
help his government fight and win the war on corruption.

Addressing members
of the Diplomatic Corps at this year’s Diplomatic New year Greeting Ceremony at
the Peduase Lodge in the Eastern region, the President urged the envoys to
expose sleazy state officials to aid the fight against corruption and enable
him build a transparent government.

“Should you,
members of the Diplomatic Corps, be notified of any evidence of corruption
against any of my appointees, I insist that they be shared with my office to
enable action to be taken on the matter. That is better for our relations than
unspecified generalized pronouncements on corruption,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo
held that corruption was a strong constraint on growth and development and
undermined political legitimacy, thus he would spare no effort to consolidate
the socio-economic gains that his administration had made in office, saying, “I
did not come into politics to enrich myself but to serve the public interest.”

He said though the
fight against corruption cannot be won overnight, “I am determined to build in
Ghana a culture of transparent open and accountable governance that will be the
equal of any on the face of the planet.”

President Akufo-Addo
pointed out that 21 officials of the previous administration were currently
standing trial for their alleged involvement in acts of corruption or causing
financial loss to the state.

He vowed not to
shield any of official of government found to have engaged in acts of
corruption, and said even though two of his appointees were currently facing
investigations, a number of allegations against some of his officials had been
investigated without pressure from the Executive, and have come out false.

President Akufo-Addo
informed that diplomats that government had taken to bold measures to sanitize
and strengthen the banking system, which had led to the safeguarding of the
deposits of 4.6 million Ghanaians.

He said the
prosecution of persons whose actions led to the crisis was ongoing, adding that
the government is on the move to sanitize the energy sector as well.

The President
further informed the diplomats that his government had put the country on the
path towards a prosperous future with the concrete steps taken to restore
macroeconomic stability and economic growth.

He said the country
had made significant strides in all sectors of the economy and had deepened its
democratic credentials which reflected on its status as a country governed in
accordance with respect for human rights, rule of law and the principles of
democratic accountability.

“After three years
of discipline and innovative economic management, the results have been
remarkable,” he stated.

The President
assured the diplomatic community that this year’s election would be held in an
atmosphere of peace, and that no effort would be spared to ensure the polls are
free, fair and credible.

He was optimistic
that Ghana would continue to shine as the doyen of peace and democracy on the
continent.

GNA