General News of Sunday, 27 September 2009

Source: GNA

Rawlings calls for action on bribery scandal

Accra, Sept. 27, GNA - The former President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings at the weekend urged the government to act quickly and decisively on the bribery allegations involving the UK-based construction company; Mabey and Johnson, and some political appointees in Ghana.

He stressed: "I urge the government to act quickly and decisively on the request by President Mills for further investigations. A statement signed by Flt. Lt. Rawlings in Accra, said probity, accountability and service to the people were the basis upon which the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was founded.

"I have espoused these tenets since 1982 and have consistently reminded the current NDC government of the need to urgently pursue and prosecute persons who have been and continue to remain unaccountable to the people.

"Ghanaians and the International Community are watching closely how the Mills administration handles these allegations."

The former Head of State said the quick response by President Mills in requesting further investigations into the allegations was commendable.

"However, hesitancy and inaction in the days to come will be seen as not serving the greater good."

Flt. Lt. Rawlings claimed that since the NDC came to power in 2009, the party had failed to pursue and prosecute the criminal activities of the past New Patriotic Party government, which in connivance with foreign partners had stolen millions of dollars and accepted huge bribes.

"Let us not destroy the reputation of the NDC by being indecisive on this scandal. Government must act immediately and decisively," he emphasised.