Editor of the Patriot Newspaper, Peter Banfoe, has noted with concern how anti-corruption crusaders in the 2016 presidential race, the New Patriotic Party have now become an embodiment of corruption itself.
According to him, corruption has become a very big issue in Ghana especially after the ‘self-sufficient’ New Patriotic Party (NPP) assumed the highest seat of government but the opposition led by candidate Mahama is ready to get rid of corruption in the country.
In an interview with Happy 98.9 FM’s Samuel Eshun, host of the Happy Morning Show, Peter said, “Corruption has become a big issue in Ghana now. If you have followed politics in Ghana for the past few years, you will know that the 2016 campaign was a very serious one with the predominant theme being anti-corruption but the NPP has failed us.”
He indicated that the then opposition party, NPP accused the incumbent government, National Democratic Congress (NDC) of being engulfed in corrupt practices and preached a clean-up and transparency when voted to power.
“The NPP said they were already established and were not going to engage in corruption. They promised relief to Ghanaians from corruption but what is the level of corruption now?” he queried.
The newsman indicated that regardless of these colourful promises made by the NPP, corruption has become yet another huge concern and bone of contention as December 7 draws closer.
“The President promised to use the ‘Anas Principle’ to fight corruption, but the same president is now fighting against people who are essential to the corruption fight.”
He noted with surprise how the president mandated the Auditor General to proceed on leave when he (Auditor) was doing his work effectively and efficiently. “Many people have told the president that the audit service is a great means of fighting corruption in the country so why would he force a dutiful Auditor General to go on leave?” he queried.
With this high level of corruption eroding the government and other public institutions, the NDC, led by candidate Mahama has promised to eradicate the menace with the ‘Operation Sting’ operation.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has said that the next National Democratic Congress (NDC) government will introduce an initiative to fight corruption dubbed ‘Operation sting.’
The former president said this is part of an ‘Integrity for Development’ action plan that will be launched.
“We will as part of an Integrity for Development action plan, launch “Operation Sting,” he said at the outdooring ceremony of the newly nominated NDC running mate Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
The former President, in his address, accused the Akufo-Addo government of nepotism and corruption of which he said will come to an end should he be given the nod as the next President of the country.
By: Joel Sanco