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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has asserted that the recent publication of Ghana’s score in the 2017 Corruption Perception Index, - the lowest in the history of the country’s performance since the inception of the CPI in 2012 -, pertained to the era of the erstwhile Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government. 

Notwithstanding this, the president said, his administration will do and is doing all it can, to curb corruption, eventhough the task ahead is enormous.

"The recent publication of Ghana’s score in the 2017 Corruption Perception Index, organised by Transparency International, showing a further drop in our standing, a result largely based on “the plethora of corruption allegations/exposés” before the onset of this administration, indicates the enormity of the task ahead," the president said. 

He was speaking at an event at the Flagstaff House to swear-in the recently vetted and approved Martin Amidu as Special Prosecutor. 

The CPI report, released by the local chapter of Transparency International, the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), indicated that Ghana had recorded the worst corruption perception score in the last six years after it was ranked 81 out of the 180 countries assessed in the 2017 Global CPI.

It scored Ghana 40 out of 100, the lowest in Ghana’s CPI scores since 2012 when CPI scores became comparable. Some critics have argued it signifies a loss in the fight against corruption.

Minutes after the report went viral, the Minority in Parliament had a field day with it saying it was a reflection of the current state of corruption in the country and an indictment on a government which came to power on the back of promises to fight corruption.

Whiles calling on all to actively co-operate for a successful fight against corruption since "the Special Prosecutor cannot do it all by himself", President Akufo-Addo pledged his administration's support to enable Mr Amidu "discharge his high duties effectively."

"The Special Prosecutor cannot do it all by himself. He requires the active co-operation of all the institutions of our state, as well as that of the general public, if he is to be successful in the fight against corruption....I want to assure him that not only will the Executive, including the Attorney General, respect scrupulously the independence of his Office, but will also provide him with whatever assistance is required to enable him discharge his high duties effectively, in the interest of the Ghanaian people," he added.

The President further entreated Ghana’s first Special Prosecutor to guard against using his office to settle personal scores since his (Amidu's) office is a non-partisan one leading the fight against corruption and holding public officials past and present accountable for their stewardship of public finances.

“We expect the Special Prosecutor to discharge his duties vigorously, with courage, without fear or favour, ill-will or malice, in accordance with the rule of law. The establishment of this Office is for a high purpose, and must not, under any circumstances, be used as an avenue for persecution or vengeance,” he said.

Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony, Mr Amidu stressed that he will prosecute crime without fear or favour, adding that no amount of witch-hunting propaganda will stop him in his quest to try anyone found to have engaged in corrupt acts in court.

He also revealed that he has not been served with a writ challenging his position as the SP.

“Mr President, I wish to assure you that the propaganda about witch hunting will not daunt me from prosecuting all corruption crimes without reference to political considerations...I want the public to know that nobody has served me personally with any writ or statement of case or injunction challenging my nomination, approval and appointment so as to restrain me from accepting this appointment,” the Special Prosecutor said.