Keypoints:
- Mahama denies NDC lawyer meddling
- Public frustrated over slow ORAL cases
- Kwetey warned of secret deals
PRESIDENT John Mahama has dismissed allegations that some ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawyers are attempting to cut deals with former government officials facing corruption probes, as public frustration mounts over delays in the party’s flagship anti-graft drive.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Wednesday, Mahama insisted there was ‘no evidence to support this allegation’, countering claims by NDC General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey.
‘Interference is impossible under my watch,’ Mahama said. ‘Anyone attempting such manoeuvres is wasting their time and resources. The prosecutions will go ahead. We are painstakingly preparing cases, and justice will be served.’
ORAL promise under scrutiny
The NDC’s 2024 election victory was built in part on its pledge to prosecute corruption through the Operation Recover All the Loot (ORAL) programme, aimed at reclaiming public funds allegedly stolen under the previous administration.
Ghanaians rallied behind ORAL as a bold commitment to accountability, helping to deliver a decisive win for Mahama’s party. Yet nearly a year on, few high-profile prosecutions have commenced, fuelling public impatience and speculation about internal obstacles.
Kwetey’s warning of internal deals
Kwetey, addressing the fifth annual conference of the NDC Lawyers Association last week, warned that some party members were seeking to shield former officials.
‘Punishment must be exacted and things have to be done,’ Kwetey said. ‘Some among us are busy trying to cut deals with people who are supposed to be prosecuted. This will not be tolerated.’
He stressed that any attempt to compromise justice would betray voter trust and undermine the NDC’s credibility.
Prosecutions will proceed, Mahama says
Mahama sought to reassure the public that the ORAL agenda remains intact and that due process is guiding the timeline.
‘The prosecutions will go ahead,’ he affirmed. ‘Justice will be served.’
The President’s comments signal an effort to calm concerns that the anti-corruption campaign is faltering. But with expectations high and patience wearing thin, pressure is intensifying on the NDC government to demonstrate that its landmark pledge to recover all the loot is more than an election slogan.
