Akufo-Addo to appoint Special Prosecutor to deal with corruption when elected

A New Patriotic Party (NPP) government under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo shall establish an Office of Special Prosecutor, within the first six months of his administration if he wins this year’s elections.

According to the NPP presidential candidate, the Special Prosecutor, to be established by Act of Parliament, will be independent of the Executive, and possess “an exclusive remit to investigate and prosecute certain categories of cases and allegations of corruption, including those involving alleged violations of the Public Procurement Act and cases implicating political office holders and politicians.”

Speaking at the 16th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, at Abetifi, Kwahu, in the Eastern Region on Monday, August 22, Nana Akufo-Addo stressed that, prosecutions of such persons, “will no longer be tainted by perceptions of witch-hunting and selective justice.”

He further explained that to deal with the “the toxic issue of corruption”, Nana Akufo-Addo, a successful Ghana can only be built on the basis of good governance, underpinned by efficient and honest public services. This requires that we succeed in eliminating corruption adding that, in order to restore Ghana’s reputation, which, sadly, over recent years, has become a byword for corruption, firstly, he, together with his team, will give the requisite leadership, which is lacking under President Mahama.

“Public service is for me exactly that – public service. Anyone who joins my team to make money out of public office will not be welcome. Money is made in the private sector, not in public office. I will be strict in my supervision of this principle,” he assured.

Secondly, Nana Akufo-Addo stressed that his government will be scrupulous in enforcing the teachings of the Public Procurement Act (Act 663), which confine sole sourcing of public contracts to exceptional circumstances, and not the norm, as is the case under the Mahama government.

“Inflated contracts, which are currently the bane of our public finances, will be things of the past. Competitive bidding is the best protection of value for money in our public transactions, and will be the consistent mechanism for undertaking such transactions. The era of sole sourcing will come to an end,” he said.

The NPP flagbearer further added that an efficient and honest reordering and prioritisation of the country’s public expenditure “will enable us to devote more resources to enhance the capacity of our anti-corruption agencies. It is essential that they have the means to lead the fight against corruption.”

He continued, “We will support all moves to give Parliament greater oversight capability over the activities of the Executive. This will give true meaning to the principles of separation of powers and accountable government.”

Nana Akufo-Addo, therefore, appealed “to the Presbyterian Church to give critical support to the next NPP government, God-willing, as it undertakes these crucial steps. Our very future depends on their success.”

With barely a little over 3 months to the holding of this year’s elections, the NPP flagbearer asked for prayers for the peace of the nation, so that the country emerges from the elections as a more united country.

“Add prayers for God’s guidance to members of the Electoral Commission, so they can make transparent and fair arrangements for the electoral contests to enhance the stability of our country. And please pray for the NPP and myself, that I will be given, by Almighty God, wisdom, strength, courage and compassion to enable me carry out my duties as a good leader.

“And finally, I ask that you pray that, during this election campaign period, those who seek for votes from the people come with malice towards none and love towards all,” he added, starrfmonline reported.