By Dennis Peprah

Sunyani, Jan. 28, GNA – International anti-corruption advocate, Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action against his ministerial-nominees and public officials who fail to declare their assets.

He said asset declaration by public officials remained critical in the fight against the growing menace of corruption and asked President Mahama to revoke the nominations and appointments of those ministers.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Mr Ahenu noted that public officials who refused to comply with the asset declaration requirement undermined public trust compromising the government’s effort to stem corruption.

“Asset declaration is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral duty for anyone entrusted with public office,” he stated, saying “failure to declare their assets raises questions about their integrity and intentions as public officers”.

“It’s therefore imperative for the President to take a bold decision and revokes the appointment of any appointee, or nominee or minister who does not adhere to that fundamental requirement,” Mr Ahenu suggested.

In his view, non-compliance could lead to a culture of impunity “where public officials feel emboldened to engage in corrupt practices without fear”.

Mr Ahenu lauded the commitment of President Mahama to stem corruption in his government, arguing that the establishment of the ‘Operation Recover All Loots’ (ORAL) was an indication that the President was ready indeed to control corruption in the country.

“Revoking the appointments of non-compliant officials will send a strong signal to the public that his government will not tolerate any form of corruption,” he stated, adding that “that will also further build and strengthen public trust and confidence and support the government in the fight against corruption”.

GNA

President John Dramani Mahama

Renowned economist Dr. Theo Acheampong has advised President John Dramani Mahama to take a firm stance against his appointees or government officials who are found to have engaged in corruption scandals.

Sharing his views on the ministerial nominations made by President Mahama, Dr. Acheampong emphasised that how the president handles corrupt appointees will play a crucial role in his and his party’s political future, especially given his strong drive and commitment to tackling corruption.

While acknowledging that corruption scandals are common in every government, he stressed the importance of President Mahama not hesitating to reshuffle his appointees or take a bold stance in dismissing those found guilty.

“President Mahama must not renege in reshuffling them or dismiss any minister or other appointee that gets caught in corruption scandals. A few will definitely come so the signaling intent in dealing with corruption is very important,” he made this known in a Facebook post on January 27, 2025.

Additionally, Dr. Acheampong called for the creation of an enabling environment free from political obstacles, one that would support and allow appointees to make decisions effectively in the nation’s best interest.

“They must be given the room to work by removing political obstacles that hinder effective decision-making. They cannot afford to fail the YOUTH of the country,” he stressed.

During his campaign, President Mahama pledged his commitment to tackling corruption in his governance.

He has since launched an anti-corruption initiative, Operation Recover All Loot, aimed at recovering state assets from former government officials found to be involved in corruption.

MAG/EK

You can also watch the latest episode of Everyday People on GhanaWeb TV below:

Bright Otchere Adjekum, counsel for Kan Dapaah, attempted to seek costs against the defendant on Monday, January 27, 2025, after being shown a letter from Dr. Justice Srem Sai, counsel for Oliver Barker-Vormawor, requesting an adjournment due to his unavailability.

Otchere Adjekum admitted that he had been informed of the letter but had yet to see it. After being shown a copy by the court, he described the letter as a “lame excuse.”

He argued that the grounds for adjournment were not valid, citing ill health or appearing before the Court of Appeal or Supreme Court as proper grounds. He prayed the court to discharge his client, who was scheduled to face further cross-examination from the defense, and award costs against the defendant.

However, the court, presided over by Justice Rev. Fr. Joseph Adu-Owusu Agyeman, did not entertain the request and instead adjourned the case.

Mr. Barker-Vormawor, who was initially absent when the case was called, arrived later. The court urged him to ensure his lawyer was present at the next hearing.

The case centers on a defamation suit filed by Kan Dapaah against Barker-Vormawor, seeking damages of GH₵10 million.

NSC Briefs

On November 20 last year, Albert Kan Dapaah opened his case. Moments after his lawyers, led by Otchere Adjekum, led him to give his testimony, his cross-examination started.

Under cross-examination from Dr. Justice Srem Sai, the National Security Minister told the High Court in Accra that activities of the #FixTheCountry Movement and Oliver Barker-Vormawor featured in “a few of his briefs” at the National Security Council meetings.

According to him, though “my briefs are given orally, there have been a few occasions where it has featured in my (written) briefs.”

Albert Kan Dapaah made this known while facing cross-examination from lawyers of Oliver Barker-Vormawor, led by Dr. Justice Srem Sai, in a case where the minister is demanding a GH₵10 million defamation sum.

The National Security Minister is seeking GH₵10 million from Barker-Vormawor for an alleged bribery allegation made against him.

Background

The National Security Minister has accused the former FixTheCountry Movement convener of defamation and has initiated legal action against him.

Albert Kan Dapaah’s defamation suit was initiated over comments said to have been made by Barker-Vormawor, which the minister alleged defamed him.

The action by Kan Dapaah comes on the back of allegations made by the Fix-The-Country convener that the National Security and some government officials had met him and offered him money to stop his activism against the government.

The allegation was refuted by the National Security Minister, who subsequently filed a defamation suit in court against Barker-Vormawor.

The minister is seeking “recovery of the sum of GH₵10 million as General Damages, including Aggravated and/or Exemplary Damages for Defamation for the words uttered by the Defendant.” He is also seeking “an apology for and retraction of the words complained of” and “a perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant from repeating similar or other defamatory words against the Plaintiff.”

Accra, Jan 28, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, January 28, made 10 new appointments to the Office of the Vice President.

A statement issued by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesman to the President, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the appointees were expected to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to their respective roles and contribute significantly to the “Resetting Ghana agenda to build the Ghana we want”.

They include Mr Alex Percival Segbefia, Chief of Staff to Vice President; Mrs Alberta Graham, Head of Administration; and Professor Theresah Ennin, Presidential Staffer and Special Aide to the Vice President.

Others are Madam Daniella Mavis Mathias, Secretary to the Vice President; Dr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Policy Adviser, Political; and Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid, Policy Adviser, Economic.

The rest are Dr Hamza Zakaria, Policy Adviser, Economic; Madam Mansa Amoa Awuah, Policy Adviser, Finance; Dr Miriam Rahinatu Iddrisuz, Policy Adviser, Social Sector; and Madam Maame Ama Pratt, Press Secretary.

GNA

Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah

Lands and Natural Resources Minister-designate, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, has clarified his widely discussed remarks on the reign of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The comments, made shortly after the former President’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on January 3, have drawn criticism, particularly from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who labeled them as harsh and disrespectful.

During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 27, the Ellembele MP emphasized that his remarks were not intended to attack the former President personally but were instead a reflection of the public sentiment regarding the performance of his administration.

“I have enormous respect for President Akufo-Addo and any president who occupies this highest office of our land,” he stated.
“The decisions they are confronted with are enormous and grave, and I don’t think we take that lightly at all. My comments were directed at his government, reflecting the views of the Ghanaian people who felt they had gone through significant hardships.”

His response came after Minority Chief Whip Frank Annor Dompreh sought clarification on the tone of the comments, which many perceived as scornful. The nominee defended his remarks, asserting that as the then-Deputy Minority Leader, he had a responsibility to articulate the frustrations of Ghanaians.

On whether he would retract his comments with the benefit of hindsight, Mr. Armah Kofi-Buah stood by the essence of his statement, noting that it resonated with the people.
However, he admitted, “If there are words that came out sounding disrespectful, I regret them.”

Despite his explanations, Mr. Annor Dompreh pressed further, questioning the tone and phrasing of the remarks. In response, the nominee said, “If there are alternative words that better convey the sentiments I expressed, I am open to using those words in the future.”

Background

Following former President Akufo-Addo’s final SONA, Mr. Armah Kofi-Buah, in his capacity as the then deputy Minority Leader, delivered a strongly worded response criticizing the administration’s performance.
He cited widespread economic hardships, unsustainable debt levels, youth unemployment, and what he described as “reckless borrowing.”

“The people of Ghana have already given their verdict on the true state of the country, and that verdict is clear: economic hardships, huge debt, high youth unemployment, hopelessness, and more,” he said on January 3.
He also singled out the controversial National Cathedral project as emblematic of the administration’s misplaced priorities, adding, “Mr. President, you will be remembered as the first president who was cushioned by the IMF when you began and are still being cushioned at the end of your term.”

However, during his vetting, Mr. Armah Kofi-Buah reiterated that his remarks were not personal but rather reflective of the frustrations of the Ghanaian people.
He maintained his respect for the former President and all leaders who have occupied the highest office, acknowledging the weight of their responsibilities.

The Appointments Committee is expected to continue its deliberations before submitting its recommendations on the nominee.

play videoDr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence-designate

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the nominee for the position of Minister of Defence, is scheduled to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, for an evaluation of his nomination.

The appearance will provide lawmakers the opportunity to assess Dr. Omane Boamah’s qualifications and suitability for the role, as the country anticipates strengthening its defence leadership.

His nomination has sparked considerable discussion, with many eager to see how he plans to address key security challenges facing the nation.

The Appointments Committee’s evaluation is a vital step in confirming the nomination, and it is expected to be an important event in Ghana’s political landscape as the President’s Cabinet undergoes finalisation.

Dr. Omane Boamah, a seasoned political figure and former Minister for Communication, has been nominated to oversee the country’s defence sector.

Watch the stream below

MAG/MA

Former Attorney General Ayikoi Otoo has weighed in on the petition filed by Kwame Ofosu-Appiah seeking the removal of Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Jean Mensa and her deputies.

Speaking on Joy News’ on Monday, he argued that the allegations against the EC leadership are not strong enough to warrant their dismissal.

He emphasised the need to distinguish between personal opinions expressed before assuming office and their official conduct while in office.

Reacting to Mr Ofosu-Appiah’s claims that the EC used its discretion to disenfranchise residents of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) in the 2020 parliamentary elections, Ayikoi Otoo said, “I have looked at it, and I don’t think they meet the very serious issues that one would want to look at when we want to remove the EC. I don’t see any of those things as very serious.”

He pointed out that some of the claims against the EC officials stem from statements or actions they made before taking office.

“In your intro, you said that the things one of the deputies was alleged to have said were when he was exercising his academic freedom. You know, young men can take to doing all sorts of things, such as even experimenting with drugs. And then they grow up, they wean themselves off those things. They realize that it’s not the best. I mean, these are not things that ought to have engaged themselves. It doesn’t mean that they are forever barred from holding office or doing anything,” he stated.

Ayikoi Otoo likened such situations to individuals who express personal opinions before assuming sensitive positions, such as judges.

“Before he became a judge, he was a free individual. Now that he has become a judge and taken the oath, he says, ‘Look, I’m bound by my oath, and nobody can influence me. This is my decision. This is what I want to do.’ So, the things he said when exercising academic freedom, I think we should forget about it and concentrate on what they have done since they came to office.”

The former Attorney General also emphasised that the Chief Justice is the appropriate authority to determine whether the issues raised in the petition meet the threshold for removal.

“It is for the CJ to determine whether it can be said to be of any weight. From where I sit, I don’t see anything weighty enough to justify their removal,” he said.

On the disenfranchisement of SALL residents, Ayikoi Otoo acknowledged the frustration but maintained that the issue must be assessed within the broader context of administrative decisions.

He cautioned against using isolated incidents to conclude incompetence or misconduct.

“These are serious constitutional matters, and while people are entitled to seek redress, we must be careful not to rush into conclusions that undermine institutions,” he said.