President Promises To Tighten System Against Corruption

President John Dramani Mahama on Friday gave the assurance that his administration would not only bring corrupt officials to book, but would also tighten the system to avoid corrupt practices. He said the feat would however depend on the willingness of every Ghanaian to do the right thing and expose people that try to abuse the system for their personal gains. President Mahama gave the assurance when he addressed Members of the Council of State at the Peduase Lodge near Aburi in the Eastern Region. The meeting would deliberate on burning issues in the country, make appropriate suggestions and recommendations that would help the President and the entire executive to implement workable solutions to them. It would also forward to government some of their interactions and recommendations that had been completed over the months for implementation and execution. President Mahama said corruption and its repercussions are inimical to economic development and has the potential to tarnish the image of the country beyond her geographical and political boundary. He said he would continue to rely on the Council of State and other organs of government to reduce or completely eliminate the canker. He commended the Council for so far remaining resolute in their decision- making and expressed the hope that they would continue to play that role effectively for his administration to take effective decisions that would stabilise the economy and enhance prosperity. President Mahama promised to continue his crusade in instilling nationalism, civility and other ideals that would make Ghanaians conscious of their rights and responsibilities in the society. The President also committed himself to open- door governance that accept views, opinions and constructive criticisms from all Ghanaians interested in the forward march of the country. Mrs Cecilia Johnson, Chairperson of the Council appealed to President Mahama to prosecute all officials that would be found culpable in the Ghana Youth Employment and Enterpreneurial Development Agency and Savannah Accelerated Development Authority scandals. The prosecution she said would inject discipline and fear into Ghanaians with the intention of engaging in such malpractices to the disadvantage of the entire populace. On the patronage of Made- in Ghana goods, Mrs Johnson suggested to President Mahama to insist on quality and good packaging that would serve the interest of Ghanaians and attract patrons from neighbouring countries. The chairperson said they had over the months engaged some ministries and commissions all towards finding lasting solutions to the current economic challenges and gave the assurance that their reports and recommendations would be made available for implementation . She said the challenges are surmountable and appealed to President Mahama and the entire executive to tackle indiscipline and corruption head-on and take bold and workable decisions that would subsequently provide solutions to the challenges.