Editor-in-chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako has expressed confidence in what he describes as President-elect Nana Akufo-Addo’s intolerant attitude towards corruption and misappropriation of public funds.
He says Akufo-Addo’s firm nature and intolerance towards corruption will precede him as he assumes the mantle of leadership in 2017.
Speaking on Newsfile on Multi tv this weekend, Kweku Baako noted that President John Mahama’s failure to address issues regarding corruption and injustice among his appointees was a major setback for the NDC.
Citing various instances where the President overlooked acts of injustice exhibited by officials under his government, he maintained that the President, though humble and dignified, was “too soft towards his appointees”, resulting in constant recurrence of such scandals.
“He handled himself in a dignified manner as a President but in terms of actions, there were some minuses which led to serious indictments…the Stan Dobge issue and the petition, the response that came after was almost like an insult, it showed lack of firmness on that matter….I think he was a bit too soft towards some of his appointees”, he said.
Mr. Baako mentioned a recent incident where a gentleman from Cote D’Ivoire (name withheld) went to the Kotoka International Airport to demand for entry into the country on the basis that he is a ‘special guest’ of the President- elect.
According to Kweku Baako, Akufo-Addo totally refuted knowledge of the said gentleman when called to confirm and insisted that he goes through the right processes to gain entry into the country.
“Last week or so, a certain gentleman whose name I won’t mention went to the Kotoka International airport and wanted a certain VVIP protocol offered…he was from Cote D’Ivoire and was described as the special guest of the President – elect….I called the President-elect around 9:30, 10 o clock, and he said; I have no idea of anybody coming from Cote D’Ivoire to meet me, I have not arranged for anyone to go to VVIP and arrange for entry, if he is already here as they say, tell him to go through the normal immigration”, he recounted.
He stated that firmness and strict discipline are the required qualities a leader should possess to ensure transparency, accountability and the rule of law prevail in the country, adding that he believes Nana Akufo-Addo will live by them.
