President John Mahama has assured Ghanaians that his government is pursuing corruption cases with diligence and fairness, insisting that no one will escape justice.
Speaking at his maiden media encounter on Wednesday, September 10, he dismissed suggestions of inaction.
“What you are witnessing is not inaction. It is our steadfast adherence to due diligence, due process and fairness in the pursuit of justice.
“Yes, our insistence on doing things the right way may afford those who have looted this country some temporary relief, but let me be clear, it will not grant them permanent escape.”
He disclosed that hundreds of cases are already under review.
“Across multiple fronts, active pursuits and prosecutions are well underway under the operation recover or the loot.
“Over 200 cases are under active investigation, with about 80 people interrogated so far. Several prosecutions have begun progressing steadily and remaining firmly on course.”
President Mahama cited a number of high-profile trials.
“In the Republic versus Adu Boahen and three others, the state has submitted witness statements, together with all other documents, and the trial has commenced, and the first of three prosecution witnesses has been called and has been cross-examined by counsel for the accused person.
“With the Skytrain case, for instance, the prosecutors have secured a trial date as all preliminary matters have been concluded, and the trial is set to commence.”
He also touched on ongoing actions in other matters.
“For the National Service Authority case, due to its expansive nature, charges have been drafted and will be filed as soon as the legal year begins against the following persons: the Republic versus Osei Sibey, the Republic versus Eric Nyarkoh, and the Republic versus Gifty Oware.
“Also, for the National Cathedral, we are waiting for a forensic audit from the Auditor General. Additionally, charges have been drafted and are ready for filing in the case of Republic versus Wontumi and Akonta Mining.”
According to him, other state agencies are also at work.
“The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is finalising its report with respect to EXIM Bank transactions, dockets are in preparation for the buffer stock case and the DRIP equipment case. Investigations are ongoing into the African Cup of Nations case, the Match Set case, and approximately 20 other cases, currently.”
The President pledged that no file will be ignored.
“Let me be clear, every single case of corruption that needs to be investigated is being looked into, and once evidence is found to ground the prosecution, that will happen and happen swiftly.”
He added that his government is also working on preventive measures.
“Looking within, we launched a code of conduct for public officials with an insistence on strict compliance. A high-level working group has been inaugurated to draft a new anti-corruption strategy aimed at strengthening ethical governance and institutional coordination.”
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Source: myjoyonline.com
