Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has called for stronger measures to hold political leaders accountable, arguing that they are not trustworthy enough.

Discussing the case between former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, February 13, the lawyer explained that the law favours political leaders more than expected.

He said, “We have placed almost all power in the hands of our presidents. The leaders we have are no saints, and neither are the OSPs we are likely to get. We must write the law in a way that holds even the highest office accountable – that is the path to progress.”

Mr Kpebu then criticised former President Akufo-Addo, stating, “Akufo-Addo could not even beat John Mahama in the fight against corruption. Over eight years, he under-performed on the corruption perception index. Even the best mark of 43%, which was Akufo-Addo’s highest, was actually John Mahama’s lowest score.”

He lamented that Ghana has not seen a president like the late President Atta Mills in recent times. “The former President, Atta Mills, is my man; apart from him, the rest have not done as well. When will we see another leader like Atta Mills?” he asked.

Mr Kpebu expressed hope in President John Mahama’s ability to make a difference in the fight against corruption. “John Mahama has come back, and this time he appears to be in a stronger position. We hope he continues on this path, but it is still too early to celebrate,” he said.

He believes that finding measures to hold leaders accountable and reducing the power they enjoy could help minimise corruption among political leaders.