How President Mahama Can Show He Is Serious About Fighting Corruption

Author's note: This piece was written on the 20th of October, 2013. It is being posted today, because I was unable to do so on the day. Please read on:  


The only way to counter the widespread perception that there is rampant high-level  corruption in the country, is for President Mahama to deal ruthlessly with all the powerful and influential individuals,   who become embroiled in it,  during his tenure.


Fortunately  for the country, thus far, President Mahama has shown by his actions,  that he is a leader who is prepared to fight high-level  corruption when it is brought  to his attention.


The ongoing investigations by law enforcement agencies into alleged corruption at the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency  (GYEEDA) being  a case in point.


What President Mahama  also needs to do,  is for him to publicly publish the assets of both himself and his spouse. That shining  example is likely to  be followed by many of  his successors in office - a real boon for the fight against high-level corruption in Ghana.


And luckily for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC),  plain-speaking former President Rawlings is alive and in good health, considering his age.


The NDC  would be wise to let ex-President Rawlings take a leading role in the fight against corruption - by letting him spearhead it. He will provide the Mahama administration with the needed political will to fight high-level corruption.


There is nothing in the 1992 constitution that specifically prevents a former President being appointed,  in an unpaid and  advisory role,  to oversee the work of an anti-corruption  task force at the presidency,  which will ensure that cases of corruption  being investigated by  law enforcement agencies in Ghana, are not derailed as a result of  meddling by powerful and influential individuals to stop ongoing  investigations.


And, if he is willing to return to the NDC administration again, President Mahama ought to  bring back Mr. Martin Amidu to the government as Attorney General.


Extraordinary challenges  demand unorthodox  solutions. Co-opting former President Rawlings and Martin Amidu,   into his administration to help fight high-level corruption, will send a clear signal to the country that President Mahama is indeed serious about tackling high-level corruption in Ghana.  A word to the wise...


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