Former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer for the 2024 election, John Dramani Mahama has made a strong case for an effective fight against corruption, stating that if Ghana's democracy is to survive, decisive measures must be taken to tackle the issue.

Mahama made this statement during a "Meet the Media" engagement in Ho, the capital of the Volta Region, after his four-day campaign tour.

Addressing journalists, Mahama underscored the pressing need to address corruption, which he described as a "cancer" that continues to erode the fabric of Ghanaian society. He emphasized that the persistence of corrupt practices poses a serious threat to the country's democratic governance, economic progress, and the general well-being of its citizens.

“Corruption is eating away at the very foundations of our democracy,” Mahama asserted. “If we do not take urgent and comprehensive action to combat it, we risk undermining the progress we have made as a nation. Democracy cannot thrive in an environment where public officials are more concerned with personal enrichment than with the welfare of the people.”

Mahama lamented the current state of affairs, suggesting that corruption has become more entrenched under the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP). He accused the Akufo-Addo administration of failing to live up to its promises to combat corruption, arguing that the government's approach has been characterized by selective justice and a lack of political will.

Mahama proposed a series of measures to strengthen the fight against corruption, including the establishment of an independent and well-resourced anti-corruption agency with the power to investigate and prosecute cases without fear or favour. He also called for the full implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act to enhance transparency and empower citizens to hold their leaders accountable.

“An independent anti-corruption agency will be a game-changer in our efforts to eradicate corruption. It must be free from political interference and adequately funded to carry out its mandate effectively,” Mahama said. “In addition, the RTI Act must be fully operationalized so that citizens have the information they need to demand accountability.”

Mahama reiterated his commitment to good governance and transparency, pledging that an NDC government under his leadership would take bold steps to root out corruption. He assured the media and the Ghanaian public that the NDC has a clear plan to address the issue and restore trust in the country's democratic institutions.

In response to questions from journalists, Mahama also touched on other key issues, including the state of the economy, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. He emphasized that his campaign is focused on offering practical solutions to the challenges facing Ghanaians, particularly in the wake of the economic hardships exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The challenges we face as a nation are immense, but they are not insurmountable,” Mahama said. “With the right leadership and a collective effort, we can turn things around and put Ghana back on the path to prosperity.”

Mahama's four-day campaign tour of the Volta Region was marked by a series of engagements with traditional leaders, market women, traders, and the general public. He received a warm reception in the region, which is considered a stronghold of the NDC. During the tour, Mahama reiterated his vision for a Ghana that works for all, promising to prioritize the needs of the ordinary Ghanaian and ensure equitable development across the country.

As his campaign gains momentum, Mahama's call for urgent action against corruption is expected to resonate with many Ghanaians who are disillusioned with the current state of governance.
With the 2024 general elections on the horizon, the former president is positioning himself as a leader who is not only committed to democracy but also ready to take the necessary steps to protect it from the scourge of corruption.