John Mahama Promises to Defeat Corruption When Elected President

In a strong statement, John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to ramp up efforts against corruption, promising to establish higher standards and implement robust measures to combat this widespread issue. This commitment from Mahama signifies a renewed emphasis on integrity and accountability in governance as Ghana grapples with corruption.

Addressing the Christian Ecumenical Council on Monday, May 20, 2024, Mahama emphasized that his administration will introduce strategies to tackle and eliminate corruption.

He highlighted,

“The prevalence of financial misconduct, theft, inflated costs, sole-source contracts, and unfinished projects is becoming more common than exceptional. For instance, the Pwalugu multi-purpose dam project, which was meant to be a nearly $1 billion investment, saw $12 million paid to the contractor without any work completed.”

Mahama assured,

“I firmly pledge that the government under my leadership will combat corruption and triumph over it.”

Nearly five years after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo initiated the Pwalugu multipurpose dam project in the Talensi District, Upper East Region, progress on the project, which began in November 2019, remains stagnant.

The $993 million project, entirely funded by the government, has been in planning since the 1960s, with the sod-cutting ceremony considered a significant milestone.

Despite the government’s commitment to financing the project, securing the necessary funds has proven challenging. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), acknowledged financial constraints as a major obstacle.

He expressed personal dedication to completing the Pwalugu Dam project.

However, the Bank of Ghana clarified that payments to contractors were authorized by the government through the Controller and Accountant General’s Department.

Concerns have been raised about fund disbursement, particularly as minimal progress has been made on the project sites.

Bernard Otabil, the Director of Communications at the Central Bank, clarified that the Central Bank only processes payments approved by the government.