The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his pledge to fight corruption in his next government by ensuring accountability among appointees.
Speaking in the Volta region as part of his campaign tour, the former President stated the fight against corruption is the true test of every government.
“We must get a handle on the issue of corruption, and the real test is not post-regime accountability; it is regime accountability.
“It is often easy to hound your political opponents when they leave office and hold them accountable, but the real test of the fight against corruption is to hold your own persons accountable,” he said.
Vowing to take the fight against corruption to a “whole new level”, Mr Mahama stressed that the point Ghana has gotten to, drastic measures are required
“The first is to avoid political interference with the anti-corruption institutions and allow them unfettered access to do their duties and let the process take its course. If we’re able to do that, then I think that it will be a better way of handling corruption.
“Our people demand that we [political actors] be more accountable than we’ve previously been. I think this is the last opportunity for the political elites to turn the situation around. We’ve seen what is happening in other African countries,” he emphasised.
Ahead of the 2024 election, Mr Mahama said he believes this is the last chance for the political elites to become accountable to the citizens.
“The youth of Africa are tired of the waste, the corruption, the lack of opportunities, and lack of jobs. And so if democracy must survive, then we need to do something more drastic. The next government is not going to have business as usual,” he cautioned.
Mr Mahama added the December 7 election is an opportunity for Ghanaians to make a change, warning that if a new government repeats the mistakes of the current administration, the consequences could be severe.
“But if that change happens and a new government comes and thinks it can do the same things that the NPP is doing currently, I am afraid, something will give,” he warned.
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