A Deputy Presidential Spokesperson has criticised the Akufo-Addo administration, accusing it of shielding officials involved in major corruption scandals and failing to hold political actors accountable for mismanagement of state resources.

Speaking on Joy FM’s PM Express on Monday, February 11, Shamima Muslim reiterated that Ghanaians must demand accountability from public officials, stressing that no administration should be given the liberty to misuse public funds without consequences.

“We must not give political actors any power, and that includes us, the NDC. We must not give them any power to think that at any point in time, they can take the citizens for granted, do what they want, do as they please with our collective resources, and go and enjoy whatever loot they may have illegally acquired through the instrument of their position of power,” she stated.

Shamima Muslim highlighted that several major corruption scandals occurred under the Akufo-Addo government, yet no significant action was taken.

She referenced the infamous moniker of President Akufo-Addo as a “clearing agent,” arguing that his administration actively dismissed allegations of corruption rather than investigating them thoroughly.

“There’s a reason why His Excellency, the former president, was called a clearing agent. Why should we not take a second look at that? If the outgoing administration showed no commitment in even investigating some of these matters but rather cleared some of these cases even before investigations were to commence or be completed, then there’s a fundamental problem with governance,” she asserted.

Citing specific examples, Shamima Muslim pointed to the controversial National Cathedral project, where $58 million was spent with little to show for it, and the Pwalugu Dam project, which reportedly saw $12 million expended without any tangible development.

“These are the main questions that require looking into,” she emphasized. “And of course, the raft of cases of politically exposed persons acquiring state assets for pittance are issues we need to ask questions about. If they need to return those assets, they should return those assets.”

She further assured the public that under the incoming administration, there would be no unjust persecution, but accountability would be prioritized.

“If I need to assure Ghanaians of anything, it is that under the watch of His Excellency, no one will be unjustifiably persecuted,” she said, adding that the Attorney General is expected to outline measures to address these concerns.