<<Print>>

Former President John Dramani Mahama has asserted that within just two years in office, the "swelling stench of corruption" under the Akufo-Addo led NPP government, is so overpowering that it assaults one's senses even from the corridors of power.

According to him, the current administration is a failure when it comes to curbing corruption, since none of the president's appointees involved in the act, have faced prosecution. 

Addressing members of the opposition party at the NDC's 9th National Delegates Congress Saturday, Mr Mahama slammed the president for turning his governance into a "clearing house of his appointees accused of corruption".

“… Most appallingly, the President has become a clearing house for clearing his appointees. He has on several occasions cleared his appointees when allegations of corruption have been made against them.  Indeed, it was a very low day for Ghana when the President peddled a falsehood on a panel at the recent Africa Investment Forum that all allegations of corruption made against people in his administration have been investigated and cleared by independent investigative bodies, that was an obvious untruth," he said.

To him, the NPP's fight against graft pales in comparison to that of the NDC, as the former's words spoken when in opposition, does not in any way match their actions so far in government.

“…In the fight against corruption, the NDC has a better record in terms of regime accountability , the NBPP has proven in government that it is always reluctant to pursue their own despite the swelling sketch of corruption around their administration. All Ghanaians have received so far is lip service in the fight against corruption, a special prosecutor’s office their flagship Anti-corruption instrument remains starved of funds, personnel and logistics to do its work,” he stated.

He further opined that President Akufo-Addo has failed the litmus test when it comes to fighting corruption.

“As I said in Ho last year and I quote, it does not take bravery to prosecute one's political opponent, the true test in the fight against corruption is holding your own people accountable when they go wrong and so far the president has failed this test," he posited.

Making reference to the NDCs massive defeat in 2016, former President Mahama indicated it was best for the party to be in opposition, which has paved way for Ghanaians to know which party has the wherewithal to move Ghana forward.

"....we must, therefore, put our best foot forward to rescue Ghana from the abysmal performance of Nana Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party. This congress represents the hope and aspirations of our country. It is a divine calling to which we must answer. The grassroots of our party, the hardworking farmers, fishermen, artisans, teachers, nurses, other public sector workers, the business and investment community have all seen the clear difference between us and them. We cannot fail all these people," the former President said.