The Volta Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), James Gunn has described President Akufo-Addo’s fight against corruption as vague.
According to him, Ghana scoring 41 points out of 100 on the 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) as reported by Transparency International, indicates government has failed ‘to walk the talk’ and root out corruption in the country.
“The country's poor performance in the CPI, is as a result of the numerous corruption scandals that have hit the government including $178 million Kelni GVG and Ministry of Communication; the $1.5 million Startimes- Rebecca Akuffo Addo bribery scandal; $1.2 billion National Identification Authority; $2.5 million Bawumia – GPS scandal, and the five million litres contaminated fuel scandal involving BOST, Movepiina and Zup Oil”, he stated in a communique copied to Ghanaweb.
He further stated that “other scandals include the 230 cases of premix fuel diversions by the Ministry of Fisheries; the GH¢800,000 website development scandal at the Ministry for Special Development and Initiatives; the 700 million AMERI Novation, and the eight million Nyantekyi/Akuffo Addo/Bawumia bribery scandals from Anas’ investigations, among others.”
He expressed sorrow at the President’s failure to actions against persons involved in the corruption scandals adding “the Presidency has become the clearing agent for every alleged corrupt practices in government”
Mr Gunu added that the recent exposé by Tiger Eye Pea - led by investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas - is an indication that government is “only using corruption to fight corruption".
He, therefore, entreated President Akufo-Addo to act on his fight against corruption mantra and ensure corrupt officials are dealt with in the public’s eye.
Depreciation Cedi
Mr Gunu, who was the Akatsi North District Chief Executive, also lamented on the depreciating state of the Cedis against foreign currencies and the high increase in import duties, which has negatively affected economic activities in the country.
He believes the NDC when given the node in the 2020 general elections would turn the country’s fortunes around to provide the citizenry good living conditions.
“We believe 62 years is long enough for a nation to provide its people with good living conditions, which the NDC is poised to provide, when it eventually return to power under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama in 2020”, he said.
Security
Mr Gunu indicated recent happenings in the country with regards to security implies the Akufo-Addo-led-government “is incapable of ensuring the safety of Ghanaians, as the security forces reflect total un-coordination”.
He said the “insecurity in the nation appears to be heightening, evidenced in the increasing rate of violent crimes, mob actions and kidnappings, state sponsored vandalism, among other”.
“Happenings during the bye-elections at Ayawaso-West-Wagon constituency is an echo of the bad security situation in the country. The recent killings at Alavanyo, is also a subject of inquiries by a committee constituted by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council”, he added.
He lamented the country’s 62 years independence anniversary is “saddened by palpable ironies of discontent, disunity, disorientation, fear and forlornness among Ghanaians”.
He also stated there has been “increased political temperature” following the incident of a leaked tape believed to have the voice of the NDC National Chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, making some damning comments during a meeting with party communicators.
He, therefore, called on the President “to use the independence celebrations to make a definite statement on the independence and freedom of Hon. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo to bring closure on this matter that has increased the political temperature.”
Mr Gunu also implored the government to “show candour in its handling of the security situation in the country.”
James Gunu, Volta NDC Secretary