Lawyer Martin Kpebu has made it clear that he intends to pursue legal action against President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo upon his exit from office. Speaking on a panel discussion on TV3 over the weekend, Kpebu outlined his plans to hold President Akufo-Addo accountable for the expenditure of over GH¢500 million on fumigation exercises, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The lawyer referenced an investigative report by Manasseh Azure, which purportedly exposed irregularities surrounding the fumigation expenditures. Kpebu asserted that the president should face legal repercussions akin to those faced by former US President Donald Trump, who has undergone legal scrutiny.
“For President Akufo-Addo, what I’m looking for is that when he leaves office, I’ll be making a complaint so that we prosecute him for the over GH¢500 million we spent on fumigation of schools, etc after Covid, when it wasn’t necessary," Kpebu stated during the panel discussion.
He further emphasized, "That’s the investigation Manasseh did and won the West African Journalist of the Year."
When asked by the host if he meant what he said about getting the president prosecuted, Kpebu affirmed, “Oh yeah, we’ll see. President Akufo-Addo just like Donald Trump is before the court, Akufo-Addo will also go before the court."
Kpebu's remarks drew attention to the investigative report by Manasseh Azure, which delved into the alleged irregularities surrounding the fumigation expenditures. The report, which has stirred controversy, revealed estimates from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, showing that about GH¢500 million cedis was spent by the two ministries on the fumigation exercise.
In addition to these ministries, other government entities also engaged in their own fumigation and disinfection exercises, further increasing the total expenditure.
The COVID-19 spraying cash scandal highlighted the massive amount of public funds allocated to these fumigation exercises, raising questions about their necessity and effectiveness. Kpebu, along with others, is concerned about the accountability and transparency of these expenditures, particularly in light of the ongoing pandemic and its economic impact.
The lawyer's comparison of President Akufo-Addo to former US President Donald Trump, who faced legal challenges during his time in office and afterward, reflects his stance on holding public officials accountable for their actions. Kpebu believes that if there are irregularities or misuse of public funds, it is essential to seek legal recourse and ensure accountability.
The prospect of legal action against President Akufo-Addo underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. As Ghana prepares for a transition of power after the 2024 elections, questions surrounding the use of public funds and government expenditures will continue to be a topic of discussion.
It remains to be seen how Kpebu's plans for legal action will unfold, but his intention to seek accountability for the fumigation expenditures indicates a broader push for transparency and good governance in Ghana.
In conclusion, Lawyer Martin Kpebu's announcement of his intention to pursue legal action against President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over the GH¢500 million fumigation expenditure has sparked debate and drawn attention to the issue of accountability in government spending. Kpebu's plans, based on an investigative report by Manasseh Azure, highlight the need for transparency and scrutiny of public funds. As the country moves forward, the outcome of Kpebu's efforts will be closely watched, as they have the potential to set a precedent for holding public officials accountable for their actions.
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