President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emphasized his government’s commitment to implementing substantial reforms aimed at enhancing the capacity of the nation’s institutions to combat corruption in the public sector. He reaffirmed his dedication to eradicating corruption within the country. Speaking at the 2023 Ghana Bar Association Conference held at the University of Cape Coast on Monday, September 11, 2023, he underscored his determination to pursue this goal, even in the face of criticism characterizing him as a “clearing agent.”
Addressing this perception, he stated, “There are some who refuse to accept my method of proceeding and characterise me as a clearing agent. Because for them, the mere allegation without more is enough to merit condemnation of the public officer.”
President Akufo-Addo affirmed that he would not compromise on due process while combating corruption, regardless of the criticism directed at him. He asserted, “For my part, I will not set aside due process in the fight against corruption. No matter how much opprobrium this incurs for me.”
He highlighted the government’s bold initiative in establishing the Office of Special Prosecutor to investigate instances of corruption within the country.
In an earlier statement, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), referred to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a “clearing agent” who consistently exonerates his appointees facing corruption allegations.
Regarding the theft case involving the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, and allegations of large sums of money stolen from her residence, Asiedu Nketia commented that the outcome would likely follow the pattern of previous corruption cases within the NPP-led government.
“President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has over the years cleared his appointees who have been involved in one corruption case or the other, and I don’t see this as any exception. ‘Mr. Lomotey the clearing agent will, as usual, clear Cecilia Dapaah from the harbor of corruption,'” he remarked on Okay FM, an Accra-based radio station.
The public has expressed outrage over revelations made in court regarding the Minister’s possession of $1 million, €300,000, and millions of cedis at her residence in Abelemkpe, Accra, along with her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour. The case involves two house helps, Patience Botwe, 18 years old, and Sarah Agyei, 30 years old, who are facing charges of conspiring to commit a crime and five counts of theft. These alleged thefts occurred between July and October 2022 and included personal belongings of Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, such as clothing, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry valued at US$95,000.
