Co-chair of the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbee, has expressed concerns over the country’s approach to tackling corruption, warning that the current anti-corruption efforts could face significant challenges.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday December, 21, Deegbee highlighted the need for careful planning and due process in the fight against corruption, stressing that the method by which the government pursues accountability is just as important as the goal itself.
DR Deegbee, who has had the opportunity to study governance issues through the U.S. International Visitor Program, noted the complexity of the corruption issues facing the nation, describing them as “frightening” and “formidable.”
“I was given a scholarship to be part of the International Visitor Program spend some time in the US. So that’s a background from which I’m coming to share some of these things, It’s a very laudable idea. And when the Member of Parliament was sharing this, I was having goosebumps, because the list is formidable.” he revealed
He specifically pointed to the staggering amounts of money involved, including concerns about illegal mining (galamsey), which he described as “incredible.”
However, Dr Deegbee also emphasized the importance of not allowing political party agendas to dictate the direction of the country’s anti-corruption efforts.
Warning that such an approach risks undermines the broader national interest, Dr Deegbee added that, “We cannot run a country where the state is governed solely by the agenda of the ruling party,”
He also voiced concern about the government’s ability to implement meaningful action before the upcoming transition of power, questioning whether the necessary political will and institutional support would be in place.
“There is a significant lack of political will to recover looted funds,” Dr Deegbee noted.
Drawing on his experience as chair of the Anti-Corruption Coalition, he highlighted instances where even the Auditor General had been unwilling to disclose information about asset declarations due to fear of political repercussions.
He cautioned that the failure to empower state institutions to act independently would hinder any progress in tackling corruption.
In his remarks, Dr Deegbee also raised concerns about the legal framework surrounding anti-corruption initiatives, questioning whether agencies like the Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Unit (AURA) have the legal mandate and authority to take decisive actions, such as arresting suspects or preventing individuals from leaving the country.
“Does aura have the progressive power of the state to arrest people? Does he have the power to stop people from flying out of this country through the borders?” he queried
He warned that rushing through reforms could create loopholes that would allow wrongdoers to evade justice.
“We don’t that’s why I’m giving this caution. one of the things we learnt from our IVF is that we do things so hurriedly and we create loopholes, and people take legal shortcuts to get out of the loopholes. Get out of the loopholes because we didn’t do our work properly. That’s all I’m calling for. That is important what we do, but how we do it is also important,” he said
Drawing from lessons learned during his time in the U.S, Dr Deegbee urged that the government take a more measured and thoughtful approach, emphasizing that it is critical not only to focus on what is done but how it is done.
“We must do what is repeatable, commendable, and right,” he concluded.
As Ghana prepares for another transition of power, Dr Deegbee’s remarks underscore the importance of maintaining institutional integrity and avoiding politically driven actions that could fuel division and instability.
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