Anti-Corruption: Vitus Azeem challenges President Akufo-Addo to turn rhetoric into action
Prominent anti-corruption advocate Vitus Azeem has issued a challenge to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, urging him to translate his anti-corruption rhetoric into concrete actions.
Mr. Azeem expressed concerns about the skepticism among Ghanaians regarding the government’s commitment to combat corruption, emphasizing that mere legislative measures and the establishment of institutions are insufficient. He cited the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which was created in 2018, but has struggled due to resource constraints and understaffing.
“There’s no cause for us to be celebrating, the Office of the Special Prosecutor has been set up since 2018, how many staff does it have? Passing laws without giving them the necessary resources to perform, giving them the necessary independence to perform. He shouldn’t be boasting about that.”
He emphasized that passing laws alone is inadequate and called for the provision of the necessary resources and independence to these entities. Vitus Azeem questioned the president’s track record in dealing with ministers facing corruption allegations, noting the absence of dismissals or prosecutions.
“It’s not just passing laws, but the teeth to bite. The president should back his words with action, how many of his ministers seriously accused of corruption has he sacked? Or brought them for prosecution? There are teething problems that you have not overcome. It’s an old story the president keeps talking about. We are tired of his sayings without action on the ground”, he added.
Furthermore, Azeem criticized President Akufo-Addo for prematurely commenting on the investigation into former Minister of Sanitation Cecilia Dapaah, who resigned amidst corruption allegations. Azeem argued that the president’s comments appeared to anticipate the investigation’s outcome, potentially undermining its credibility.
“When the minister resigned, what did the president say? That he’s sure she will be exonerated,” Azeem said. “Was he not pre-empting the outcome of the investigations? If tomorrow the investigation comes, and he has not been found guilty, will Ghanaians believe that investigation?”
Azeem called on the president to take decisive measures, including the dismissal of accused ministers and adequate resourcing of anti-corruption agencies.
He warned that failing to take action could erode public trust in the president’s anti-corruption stance.
