Former President John Dramani Mahama has served notice that he will not shield any corrupt officials who would be appointed under a new National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.
He has therefore admonished all those who would want to be appointed as ministers with the objective of making money to go into the private sector since public office is not a place for them.
Mr. Mahama claimed that he would not only pursue corrupt officials from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), but would also deal mercilessly with his own officials who engage in corruption.
He referenced the incarceration of Abuga Pele, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Agency (GYEEDA), which is now the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
Mr. Mahama disclosed that although Abuga Pele was his friend and it was painful to prosecute him, it was the most appropriate thing to do.
“The greatest fight against corruption is not only about prosecuting your political opponents; it is also about dealing with your own people when they indulge in the same thing. And so I have said it several times: yes, we will hold the government that is going out accountable for the things that have happened. We will investigate them. We have a constitution; we will go by the rule of law. Prosecutions will take place, and judgement will be given.
But while you are doing that, if your people start indulging in the same thing, you must have the courage to punish them. And that is why I have said that if people want to come into government and make money, then we can help you. You will go into the private sector, and we will help you set up a cassava processing factory so you will go and process cassava and employ young people. Don’t come and take public office; once you do, you must be prepared to be held accountable.
And so yes, we might be my friend—sometimes it is painful. I have an example. Abuga Pele is my friend; the National Youth Authority (boss) himself and others were prosecuted during my tenure. I was not happy to do it, but” it was the appropriate thing to do.
Interacting with young people at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Monday, August 12, 2024, Mr. Mahama indicated that his administration will pursue corrupt officials both within his government and that of the NPP.
“So I have sounded a warning to all those who want to be ministers or CEOs in John Mahama’s administration: if the Office of Special Prosecutor comes after you, you are on your own. I am not a clearing agent. I will not clear you.”
By: Rainbowradioonline com/Ghana
