General News of Thursday, 18 January 2018

Source: yen.com.gh

6 tough statements Akufo-Addo made at crucial meet the press encounter

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo play videoPresident Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

President Akufo Addo has met the media in his first ever media encounter in the year 2018. The encounter saw the president touch on various issues bothering the economy to national security.

Before the statement, YEN.com.gh had listed some key developments that the president will be touching but as unpredictable as the president remains, some of these issues were addressed while other where just brushed under the carpet. This is article explores some of the key issues the president laid claim of during his meet the press encounter with the media.

1. "Martin Amidu will enforce the fear of God in past and present public officials who want to be corrupt"

Nana Addo has revealed that the establishment of the special prosecutor’s office and choice of Martin Amidu as chief prosecutor will help uproot the menace of corruption in the country.

Nana Addo believes Martin Amidu is committed to ensuring accountability is achieved in the cause of his position as special prosecutor.



2. "Some allegations towards me, my cabinet are flimsy, irresponsible"

Nana Addo says his administration will be investigating each allegation leveled against him or cabinet ministers.

Touching on allegations of corruption, the president expressed worry over what he described the “flimsy, irresponsible” allegations levelled against his administration.

The president insists all allegations against him will be investigated by an independent body.



3. "I sit and eat with expatriate awardee; how can he pay to sit next to me?"

The president never left out the issue of the cash for seat scandal. What we know about this scandal is that expatriates allegedly paid up to $100,000 to organisers and trade ministry just so they could sit next to the president.

Addressing the media, the president expressed utter shock over the issue saying almost every expatriate who sat close to him was his best and closest friend.



4. "The size of my cabinet does not matter, we are working"

When asked if he was bothered over the size of his government, the president retorted that the size of his government does not matter and that all that matters is the capacity to deliver on their promises and ensure the prosperity of Ghanaians.

5. "Fulani menace will not escalate to a national security issue"

One of the major security issues faced government is the influx of Nomadic herdsmen popularly known as Fulani herdsmen.

Nana Addo has stressed that special programs are in place to take care of their influx. The president talks about special centres for cattle to graze to end the menace of encroaching on lands of indigenes.



6. "Ghana is safe, security being beefed up"

One final statement Nana Addo made was on the state of security in the country.

The president believes Ghana is a safe country and ready for any terrorist attack.

According to the president, steps are being taken to upgrade the capacities of all military officials.