Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, challenges President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s assertion that he refrains from meddling in investigations involving his appointees.
Kpebu maintains, “The president interferes with the investigations of his appointees accused of engaging in corruption.” He cites the Cecilia Abena Dapaah case as an example, where Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in her clearance even before investigations concluded.
Kpebu argues, “If this comment of the President does not amount to interference, then I cannot tell exactly what is meant by interference.” President Akufo-Addo denies being a “clearing agent” for his appointees amid corruption probe allegations.
Despite Akufo-Addo’s denial, Kpebu emphasizes, “The president says that there is no corruption issue that has not been investigated.” He points to instances, like the Cecilia Dapaah case, where the President’s remarks could be perceived as interference in ongoing investigations.
Kpebu points to President Akufo-Addo’s involvement in evaluating Ghana’s National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) as another case of concern.
Akufo-Addo urges, “There is the need to understand how the action plan has contributed to reducing corruption in the country and to make necessary adjustments to policies and institutional arrangements based on the evaluation results.” Kpebu raises concerns about the President’s active role in the evaluation process, suggesting it might influence the outcomes.