Clearing Agent stigma: Akufo-Addo says he’ll never condemn his appointees without due process

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said he will never condemn any of his appointees accused of corruption without resorting to due process and the rule of natural justice.

Parrying what he called stigmatisation by former President John Mahama who has labelled him a ‘clearing agent’, Mr Akufo-Addo told a gathering at the opening ceremony of the Law House in Accra (June 10) that no matter how much disaffection his stance courts, he will not depart from it.

“Before I conclude, Madam Chief Justice, ladies and gentlemen, I’m sure we are all aware of the statement by the former president and perennial NDC presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama, stigmatising me as a clearing agent, because for him, mere allegation without more, is enough to merit condemnation on an accused public officer, especially one of my administration”, the president said.

“For my part, let me state it again for the records: I will not set aside due process and the rules of natural justice on the altar of the fight against corruption, no matter how much opprobrium this position incurs for me,”

The president also said his government’s digitalisation drive has helped the fight against corruption.

“The use of technology has been pivotal in our effort to combat corruption. We have introduced digital platforms for public procurement processes, reducing human intervention and minimising the opportunities for corrupt practices. These platforms have increased transparency, efficiency and competitiveness in public procurement, ensuring that public resources are judiciously used to the benefit of all Ghanaians.”