Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed strong support for anti-corruption reforms proposed under President Mahama’s new regime, emphasizing the need for a more robust legal and institutional framework.
Speaking on The KeyPoints on February 8, he acknowledged IMANI Africa’s President’s contributions to policy discussions and indicated that civil society would play a crucial role in shaping Ghana’s foreign policy direction.
Ablakwa who is an anti-corruption crusader, noted that the Brazilian approach to tackling corruption is worth considering, stating that the Mahama administration’s manifesto aligns with this model.
He highlighted plans to revamp Ghana’s anti-corruption institutions, including:
* Reintroducing tribunals to enhance legal oversight.
* Creating new institutions to tackle corruption and state capture.
* Strengthening the Attorney-General’s role in prosecuting corruption cases.
“The manifesto seeks to open up space, bring back tribunals, and introduce new institutions to inject fresh energy into the fight against corruption,” he explained.
The Minister underscored the Judiciary’s vested interest in anti-corruption reforms, particularly given their ongoing legal battles over alleged land and property seizures.
He suggested that this direct impact might drive judicial support for the broader anti-corruption agenda.
“The Judiciary itself has seen the consequences of corruption. They are in court over their own lands and bungalows that have been looted. This should signal a shift in their approach,” he said.
He emphasized that as phase two of the anti-corruption drive unfolds, the Attorney-General will lead further investigations, prosecutions, and asset recoveries.
Ablakwa reaffirmed that public lands and state assets belong to all Ghanaians, not a privileged few.
He stressed that recovering misappropriated state assets would be a priority.
“Public lands belong to the people of Ghana. They should not be hijacked by a few political elites,” he declared, adding that President Mahama is committed to ensuring accountability within his administration.
He reassured Ghanaians that the Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has the expertise and determination to execute these reforms effectively.
“I have confidence in Dr. Ayine. He will deliver, as President Mahama has already made it clear that accountability starts at home.”
With the government’s renewed focus on institutional reforms and asset recovery, Ablakwa expressed optimism that Ghana’s anti-corruption landscape would see significant improvements in the coming months.
By Christabel Success Treve
Source:
3news.com
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