Of Greed, Avarice, and the Imperative of Justice
Greed and avarice pose a great threat to Ghana’s stability and shared prosperity. They are the destructive forces that turn public service into personal enrichment schemes, corroding the very foundation of democratic trust. All right thinking men and women should condemn without reservation the alleged acts of corruption and misuse of public office now dominating the national discourse.
The ongoing investigations and legal proceedings involving high-profile figures, including former National Food Buffer Stock Company (NaFCO) CEO Alhaji Wahab Abdul-Hannan Aludiba and former National Signals Bureau Director Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the National Service Authority along with other accused political appointees, are deeply alarming. Such conducts, if proven, represents a grave betrayal of the Ghanaian people who entrusted them with national resources and power., through our elected president.
Whilst condemning these alleged acts, I entreat the government through its investigative agencies and the judiciary to uphold the democratic and legal principles that define our nation and democracy. They have a mandate to ensure due process and accountability
Due process must prevail with every individual, regardless of their political stature, being entitled to the full protection of the law. Investigations must be conducted thoroughly, fairly, and impartially by relevant anti-corruption bodies/agencies. Guilt should be established beyond ALL reasonable doubt in a court of competent jurisdiction and not just the media.
Should the evidence lead to a conviction, the full wffect of the law must be applied. Those found guilty of looting public funds must face punitive consequences, including jail terms, the complete confiscation of all illegally acquired assets (proceeds from crime), and a permanent bar from holding public office for the rest of their lives. Consequences must be unflinching as a deterrence to current and future public office holders that the day of accountability will catch up with them.
To the leadership, communicators, and assigns of my beloved New Patriotic Party (NPP), our party’s image has been significantly soiled and bruised over the past few years by repeated allegations of corruption among appointees of the erstwhile government. The impulse to defensively circle the wagons and discredit investigative or prosecutorial efforts is a political error that might have dire repercussions. I strongly advise that we do not feel obligated to issue blanket defences for every appointee/political actor facing scrutiny for their stewardship whilst in office.
Our silence (in the face of what appears to be compelling evidence) will be a more powerful statement of commitment to anti-corruption than a rushed, defensive intervention. The primary duty of a political party (when in government) is to govern with integrity. And to provide responsible opposition/alternatives when out of government but not to act as a defence team or an insurance for individuals accused of atrocious crimes against the finances of this great country.
A principled stand that distances the party from individuals who have allegedly abused their office is one of the pathways to rebuilding the trust of the Ghanaian electorate. And that we must pursue
God bless the NPP!
God bless our homeland Ghana 🇬🇭!!!
