President-elect John Dramani Mahama has been advised to broaden his anti-corruption campaign beyond the outgoing administration to include his own appointees, ensuring a comprehensive fight against the menace.
Daniel Yaw Domelevo, a member of the five-member committee tasked with gathering evidence for the “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) initiative, made the appeal during an interview with Captain Smart on Onua TV’s morning show, Maakye, on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
Domelevo emphasized that the incoming government must not solely focus on officials from the current administration who will transition to opposition after January 7, 2025, but must also hold its own appointees accountable.
“The focus of the incoming government should not be on those who indulged in corruption in the current administration… but also tackle his own appointees,” Domelevo stated, explaining that such an approach is the only way to address the issue holistically.
The former Auditor-General noted that Ghana’s persistent struggle with corruption stems from a lack of accountability, particularly for those aligned with political parties.
“Ghana has not been able to reduce corruption to its barest minimum because perpetrators are not subjected to the law,” he lamented.
When asked why efforts to combat corruption have often failed, Domelevo responded, “Because there are no consequences. I’ve said it always, especially if you are part of the government.”
He urged the President-elect to take a principled stance by ensuring that his anti-corruption campaign applies equally to his appointees.
“That is why I’m pleading that the former President who is coming back should not let his fight against corruption end with the previous administration but ensure it stretches to his own appointees for them to conform to his own principles,” Domelevo added.
As Mahama prepares to assume office, the call for a balanced and thorough approach to tackling corruption resonates with many who seek to see Ghana make meaningful strides in curbing the canker that has long plagued the nation.
