President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has declared that fighting corruption has been the main focus of his government, despite criticisms from a section of the public that his administration has done little in this regard. Addressing these concerns, the President emphasized the importance of transparency and access to information in combating corruption.
Speaking at the commissioning of 'The Law House' project on June 10, President Akufo-Addo noted that corruption thrives in covert circumstances and stressed that effective anti-corruption efforts require access to information. To this end, during its first term, his government ensured the passage of the Right to Information Act (RTI) 2019, ACT 989. This legislation aims to actualize Article 21, clause 1(f) of the constitution, which pertains to the right to information.
"The Act, which successive governments failed to pass, sees to the implementation of the constitutional right to information held by public institutions to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in public affairs, subject to exemptions necessary and consistent with the protection of the public interest in a democratic society. The Act is now fully implemented, with the governing board chaired by an experienced and respected retired high court judge," Akufo-Addo stated.
To ensure the effective implementation of the RTI law, the Ministry of Information has trained information officers across various government ministries, departments, and agencies. This initiative aims to promote a culture of transparency and accountability within public institutions.
In addition to the RTI Act, President Akufo-Addo highlighted another significant legislative achievement: the Witness Protection Act, Act 975. Passed by Parliament in 2018 and signed into law on August 24th of the same year, this Act establishes a witness protection agency. The agency is designed to create a protection scheme for individuals who cooperate with law enforcement agencies as witnesses in the investigation and prosecution of cases, particularly those involving corruption affecting public officers.
"The Act establishes a witness protection agency to create a witness protection scheme as a vehicle for offering protection to persons who are required to cooperate with law enforcement agencies as witnesses in the investigation and prosecution of cases, particularly corruption cases affecting public officers," the President explained.
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo addressed the accusations leveled against him by former President John Mahama, who characterized him as a "clearing agent" for allegedly exonerating his appointees accused of corruption. Akufo-Addo firmly rejected this characterization, stating that his actions are guided by a commitment to ensuring thorough investigations to prevent injustices.
"I have never cleared any appointee accused of corruption without a thorough investigation. It is crucial to uphold the legal system and ensure that all cases are properly investigated to avoid injustices," Akufo-Addo stated. He emphasized that his administration's approach is rooted in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that due process is followed in all cases of alleged corruption.
The President's remarks come amidst ongoing public debate about the effectiveness of his government's anti-corruption measures. While some critics argue that more needs to be done, Akufo-Addo's administration points to legislative achievements and institutional reforms as evidence of its commitment to tackling corruption.
By implementing the Right to Information Act and the Witness Protection Act, the government aims to create a more transparent and accountable governance framework. These laws are designed to empower citizens with the information they need to hold public officials accountable and to protect those who come forward with evidence of corruption.
President Akufo-Addo's address at the commissioning of 'The Law House' project underscores his administration's efforts to combat corruption through legislative and institutional reforms.
The passage and implementation of the Right to Information Act and the Witness Protection Act are significant steps towards fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in Ghana.
Despite criticisms, Akufo-Addo remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring that all allegations of corruption are thoroughly investigated and that the rule of law is upheld in all circumstances.
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