Guarantee institutions, ensure autonomy to quash corruption – Dr. Akwetey to Akufo-Addo

Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Dr Emmanuel Akwetey has called on President Akufo-Addo to as a matter of urgency put in stringent measures to fortify the country’s law enforcement, anti-corruption and national security institutions.

He explains that it is the only sure way to eliminate the persistent blight of corruption in the country and encourage strict enforcement of the law in all cases it applies.

Speaking on Newsfile on Joynews, Dr. Akwetey maintained that the bodies established to deal with issues pertaining to crime and corruption in the country are being politically controlled by big wigs in government and as a result are rendered almost incapacitated. According to him, politicians should be able to give such institutions “their space” to operate effectively to eradicate corruption in the country.

Dr. Akwetey also attributed the politicization of appointments and recruitments into such institutions to the problem. He explained that most persons are appointed or recruited into the very same bodies to deal with the root cause of corruption based on politics rather than merit and competence. These persons he said, as a result of want to maintain their positions, play along with the rules of the politicians and sit aloof whilst the canker persists.

“there’s too much political control and supervision, you will see it from the appointment of the IGP, the appointment of EOCO, BNI Head and so on, the parties that come into power by virtue of their majority position in Parliament, are interested in who is charge of these institutions There is no fair process for open recruitment, the person who is most competent doesn’t get in and they all get in and at the end of the day we see the same results.

They are not able to deal with corruption effectively and the political meddling is even discouraging people, the good investigators are often afraid…they are so scared to do the right thing because they are pinalized for being courageours to stand for what is right “, he maintained.

Dr. Akwetey expressed confidence in the ability of the President to kick start the agenda towards eliminating corruption. According to him, President Akufo-Addo’s uncompromising stance on corruption and its related issues puts him in a perfect place to deal with the issue, he was however quick to add that a collaborative effort from both sides in Parliament together with massive support from all Ghanaians will be the only way corruption can really be dealt with.

“Corruption ought to be thoroughly and professionally investigated and pinalized the institutions must be strengthened to that.....we have one of the requirements which is will power, a leader who has the will power, who says I want to do this... We should be supportive, everybody on both sides in supporting the President to do a good job on this canker that has been the cause of coups and revolutions...

I think for the first time if you move away from the revolutionary days that that we are looking at an elected leader saying I will look at this problem in the face and pursue it…. We have a historic opportunity, let’s put ideas forward”, he urged.