GII boss commends AG’s anti-corruption approach – Nsemkeka
Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Mary Awelana Addah, has expressed cautious optimism over the Attorney General’s recent anti-corruption briefing, describing his approach as measured and encouraging, while calling for sustained political will and evidence-led action to secure long-term gains.
Her remarks follow just a day after the Attorney General Dominic Ayine briefed the press on the various suspected scandals on the National Service Secretariat on 13 June, during which he outlined key updates on the government’s anti-corruption agenda, specifically the implementation of the ORAL (Operation Recover All Looots) framework. The update detailed cases currently under review and reaffirmed the government’s intention to root out corruption through due process.
Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday June 14, Mrs Addah noted that the steps taken so far mark a constructive beginning.
“What he has done has not in any way indicted anybody. He has been able to establish a prima facie case of sorts, so he wants to pursue this agenda,” she said. “And we know that the fight against corruption is a matter of perception and experiences. There has been a lot that has been done to produce evidence.”
Mrs Addah pointed out, have high expectations for this administration’s commitment to transparency, particularly after the return of the NDC to power.
“The people of Ghana who brought the NDC back to power are expecting that, per the ORAL agenda and other initiatives they put in place to fight corruption, we would see results,” she remarked.
“So what the Attorney General is doing is just updating us on the operationalisation of that agenda,” she added.
Mrs Addah praised the political tone set thus far by both the Attorney General and President Mahama, noting that such posture is crucial in the early stages of a new administration.
“The optics thus far have been very good from the President and also the Attorney General. Usually, during the first year of a new government, we tend to see a lot of this good faith displayed. However, as time goes on, they often become defensive and start shielding their own.”
She added: “I believe in this case we should see a President who truly wishes to leave a legacy for the good people of Ghana.”
Looking ahead, Addah called for continued collaboration between the Attorney General’s office and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), both of which she believes are crucial pillars in strengthening Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture.
“If the Attorney General keeps this up, and the OSP continues its work as before, we will see Ghanaians wholeheartedly supporting this agenda. I believe we can make gains,” she noted.
However, she emphasised the importance of focusing not only on the minor actors but on holding key figures accountable.
“I personally would want to see everyone who is guilty or complicit dealt with,” she stated.
“But often, when you examine the merits of the various cases, you may find little evidence against smaller players. If they can help build strong cases against the major perpetrators and bring them to justice, then that is a step in the right direction,” she concluded.