GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
Renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Awuni Azure has criticized President John Dramani Mahama for allegedly shielding former government officials accused of corruption.
According to Azure, Mahama’s decision to discontinue several high-profile legal cases demonstrates a greater interest in protecting political allies rather than ensuring justice.
“I nicknamed Akufo-Addo the Chief Clearing Agent, and Mahama seems to relish that title,” Azure remarked in a Facebook post on Monday, February 10.
Azure argued that Mahama’s actions mirror previous patterns of political interference, which weaken accountability and the fight against corruption. He pointed to instances where officials who were cleared later admitted to wrongdoing.
“Let us not forget that the persons Akufo-Addo cleared and publicly defended were not all clean. Pius Hadzide, for instance, who was cleared of his involvement in the Australia visa scandal, publicly confessed his role when he was campaigning to be the MP for Asuogyaman in the just-ended election,” he stated.
The journalist warned that such actions undermine public trust and could have long-term negative effects on governance in Ghana.
“Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) cannot succeed when its implementers are engaged in Operation Clear All Looters (OCAL),” Azure stated.
He urged President Mahama to reconsider his approach, emphasizing that any government serious about fighting corruption should not be clearing individuals accused of financial mismanagement.
