The Founder of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai Odike says corruption under the President Akufo-Addo led administration is thriving because the President knows not how to combat the menace.
To him the old approach of fighting corruption must change and focus on preventive measures.
According to him, both the NDC and NPP have led Ghana since 1992 but both have failed to take concrete steps against corruption. “They have both focused on going after perpetrators rather than taking preventive steps, which is building strong institutions to mitigate the menace. The NPP and NDC since 1992 have only made corruption allegations against each other but don’t understand the real issues on how to tackle corruption.”
He insists President Akufo-Addo especially has no clue on clamping down corruption. To him the President has no idea on the systems to create to mitigate corruption.
“He doesn’t understand it, and only believes resourcing anti-corruption institutions is the way forward to conquer corruption,” Odike motioned on Happy98.9FM’s Epa Hoa Daben political talk show with host, Don Kwabena Prah.
The politician argues there are systems in place to fight corruption alright but they are just not being implemented, as these systems have been rigged to favour the president and his cohorts, he alleged.
On his accord, the constitution of Ghana is flawed and actually protects and makes sure every President becomes corrupt. “We have to review these portions of the constitution and take some power from the executive arm of government so citizens can hold them accountable. If that is not done, even the Pope will be corrupt if he becomes Ghana’s president.”
The outspoken politician revealed he has taken the step in preparing an alternative constitutional amendment, and wants it to be compared to the old constitution.
Background
Sixty-two percent (62%) of Ghanaians say the Akufo-Addo led government cannot curb corruption and impunity, especially by state officials.
This was revealed by a post-election survey result by Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).
According to the report, only a few Ghanaians are optimistic about the government’s ability to fight corruption.
Details of the report also indicated that 53%of Ghanaians are not confident that the government can protect the country’s financial resources by promoting accountability in public service.
The report at the same time stated that although Ghanaians are doubtful of the president’s commitment to corruption, there is mixed belief in the government’s ability to fulfil some of the 2020 manifesto promises of the NPP.
“Fewer than half of Ghanaians are optimistic that, in the next four years, the Akufo-Addo NPP-led government will perform “much better or better” in addressing educational needs(45%), providing a reliable supply of electricity (44%), maintaining roads and bridges (44%), and providing water and sanitation services (43%). Only one-third (35%) are optimistic about the government’s ability to reduce crime.” portions of the CDD report read.