The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama has pledged to elevate the fight against corruption by focusing on holding those in power accountable during their tenure, rather than merely targeting political opponents after they leave office.

Speaking at a media engagement in the Volta Region, Mr Mahama stressed the importance of regime accountability as the true test of a government's commitment to combating corruption.

"We must get a handle on the issue of corruption, and the real test is not post-regime accountability; it is regime accountability. It is often easy to hound your political opponents when they leave office and hold them accountable, but the real test of the fight against corruption is to hold your own persons accountable."

Mr Mahama emphasised that Ghana has reached a critical juncture where drastic measures are necessary to address corruption effectively.

He vowed to take the fight against corruption to a "whole new level" by ensuring that anti-corruption institutions operate without political interference.

“The first is to avoid political interference with the anti-corruption institutions and allow them unfettered access to do their duties and let the process take its course.

“If we’re able to do that, then I think that it will be a better way of handling corruption,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo’s regime has been widely criticised for failing to fight the canker despite the promise to do so while in opposition.

With the general election approaching, Mr Mahama believes this is the last chance for the political elites to become accountable to the citizens.

According to him, to sustain the country’s democracy, drastic changes are necessary, therefore the next government must not continue with the status quo.

“Our people demand that we [political actors] be more accountable than we’ve previously been. I think this is the last opportunity for the political elites to turn the situation around. We’ve seen what is happening in other African countries.

“The youth of Africa are tired of the waste, the corruption, the lack of opportunities, and lack of jobs. And so if democracy must survive then we need to do something more drastic. The next government is not going to have business as usual,” he said.

The flagbearer warned that Ghanaians have been patient, awaiting the upcoming election as an opportunity to make a change.

However, he cautioned that if a new government comes to power and repeats the mistakes of the current administration, the consequences could be severe.

“But if that change happens and a new government comes and thinks it can do the same things that the NPP is doing currently, I am afraid, something will give,” he warned.