The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is advising the Akufo-Addo led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to emulate the shining example of former President John Mahama by bringing to book corrupt officials within the government.
According to NDC, the erstwhile Mahama-led NDC government instituted actions against officials within the government alleged to have been involved in corrupt deals.
A statement issued and signed by the General Secretary of the party, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah says the party initiated investigation and prosecution of Mr Abuga Pele as part of strategy to weed out corruption in the country.
That, he said, the strategy involves measures to prevent corruption and how to deal with corruption when it has already occurred. They include exposure, investigation, prosecution and punishment of corruption.
Background
Mr Abuga Pele, a former National Coordinator of the defunct Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA), and a businessman, Philip Akpeena Assibit, were on Thursday, February 22, this year, sentenced to a total of 18 years in prison for their involvement in the GH¢4.1 million GYEEDA scandal.
Pele, who is also a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Chiana-Paga in the Upper East Region, will serve six years, while Assibit will serve 12 years in prison.
Following Mr Abuga Pele’s sentence, the MP for the Odododiodoo constituency, Mr Nii Lante Vanderpuye is reported of having said that the party would win the 2020 general elections and free Mr Abuga Pele.
NDC distances itself
However, unhappy with the Odododiodoo’s law maker’s comment, the General Secretary in the statement distanced the party from the comments, saying the MP’s comment which creates the unfortunate impression that the party would free the jailed former MP, does not represent the party’s position.
“We wish to remind Ghanaians that the investigation and prosecution of Honourable Abuga Pele was initiated by the NDC as part of our strategy to rid the country of corruption, and this strategy involves measures to prevent corruption and how to deal with corruption when it has already occurred. They include exposure, investigation, prosecution and punishment of corruption.
According to Mr Asiedu-Nketsia, while the NDC leadership “can understand the emotional trauma the family, friends and sympathizers” of Abuga Pele are going through “at this critical moment,” “it is the belief of the leadership of NDC that in matters like this, the interest of the state cannot be subjected to individual or partisan interest.”
“The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NDC wishes to place on record that the sentiment expressed by the Honourable Member on the above cited statement do not reflect in any remotest sense the position of the party regarding the fight against corruption in the country on the matter involving the conviction of Honourable Abuga Pele in particular.
In addition, he reiterated, “It will therefore be absurd that after a successful conviction has been achieved in this particular case, the initiator will turn around to free any person who has been convicted as a result,” the statement said.
Source: graphic.com.gh
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NDC may be right. I have watched President Akufo-Addo over the past one year and I am convinced that he lacks the strong will needed to run this country. He seems to be obsessed with the idea of he being seen as a compassionate human rights lawyer rather than a strong-willed, determined leader, ready to crack the whip to ensure that those who dipped their hands into the State coffers under the previous regime are swiftly hauled before the law courts for sanctions and retrieval of the state monies. I am beginning to have the feeling that he has actually appointed Martin Amidu as Special Prosecutor, principally, to ensure that at the time of his leaving office, no one can say that he presided over corruption. That is the way I see him and so I have resigned myself to the position that our President is of the view that whatever is lost must be forgotten and steps rather taken to protect what we have left. Well, who am I to demand anything different from him if that is the way he wants to run the affairs of State?
what do you want my president to emulate from john mahama, John mahama should rather learn from my presdent.advice yourselves ndc.Blockheaded party.
NDC wanted to free Abuga Pele and co. just right after the election if they had won.But God been so good their plan backfired. The laws of the state must fully be activated, then when the SP cast the net wide i know Asiedu Nketia,Betty mould iddrisu,Barton Oduro will definitely be within the Net. Abuga pay the money and be FREED Onua. Long Live SP and
IT IS A LIE, IF NDC SHOULD HAVE WON THE 2016 ELECTIONS ABUGA PELE WOULD HAVE BEEN A FREE MAN BY NOW. THEY WOULD HAVE USE THE SAME LAW TO FREE HIM. PLEASE STOP THROWING DUST INTO OUR EYES.
The free SHS program is giving Mahama sleepless nights. It's success is a stumbling block for Mahama coming back to power. Unlike Bagbin, Mahama will only declares his decision, to lead the NDC in 2020 or not. Mahama will provide any amount of money on his propagandist and communicators to paint the free SHS program as a failure. Very soon we will hear the like of Ablakwa, Kwesi Pratt, Amaliba, Adongo, Ayeni on our airwaves shouting out on the failure of the free shs program. Mahama wouldn't mind importing the Nigerians comedians as he did in 2016 electioneering campaign. Mahama desperation for power has started staring with the ***barred word*** talks.
like Mr. Amidu said to Ablakwa, these ple keep bring up things like this for us to respond in some way. pls dont even go there. let us not go for the sake of the small credibility mahama has now that is helping him to be getting jobs on the continent. let us not go there bcos this can destroy him. I will not talk anymore bcos Nana has done what I want him to do for me. I just want Mr. Amidu to start work. Anyway, I expect more press conferences from u from now on. the fear of going to prison will cause the ple to even confess their own sin.
Ndc Assibit used the same tactics Woyome used to dupe the nation. This time Abuga Pele wasn't lucky he got jailed under another government, ndc thought they were going to use the same formula used to discharge Woyome but not under NPP. Ndc are irritating so the SP must start his work immediately for the whole world to see the thi*ves in politics wearing tuxedos and fugu. Akronfuo with loud mouths disturbing our ears. Ndc will stay in opposition forever, I can't imagine them asking a man with wisdom to emulate a fo*l and can't think far de*dgo*t. What is in the head of John mahama for even a class one pupil to emulate let alone a famous person like Akufo Addo, are you people in your right frame of mind? Ndc have lost their minds due to their post election defeat depression. Ndc is unattractive in Ghana and it will be easier for a camel to enter the eye of a needle than ndc coming back to power. Chai! Apuuuuu!
this smart e--v--i-l criminal must die for our country to progress.what is he talking about? Asiedu hold your breath NPP and SP will show you their capabilities soon. keep ur bogos wisdom to urself and will it to ur children and NDC, criminals
Emulate what?Stealing or create.loot and share.Please if we NPP wants to learn we will from NDP ,PNC and not that JUUUUULOR Party headed by Aseidu nketia and co.
Juuulor