Former President John Mahama has called President Nana Akufo-words Addo's absolving Akonta Mine of any criminality despite continuing investigations by the Special Prosecutor disrespectful and troubling.
In a Facebook post, the former President stated that President Akufo-proclivity Addo's to exonerate his appointees and party leaders of any misconduct damages the presidency's already tarnished image.
"With the apparent presidential exoneration of Akonta Mining, a firm controlled by a member of his political party (NPP) and accused of illicit gold mining in the country's forest reserves, Nana Akufo-Addo has once again justified the appropriateness of his nickname."
"This tragic situation also undermines Ghana's worldwide appeal in climate change and sustainable development discussions throughout the world."
President Akufo-Addo cleared the mining firm owned by the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, of any wrongdoing during his speech at the 28th National and 16th Biennial Congress of the National Union of Ghana Catholic Diocesan Priests Association in Koforidua.
"I want to tell you all that Akonta Mine is not now engaged in any type of unlawful mining anywhere in Ghana," the President remarked.
The Special Prosecutor is presently investigating the mining company.
The complete post by John Mahama is available here.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has constantly put pressure on state anti-corruption organizations by announcing the clearing of officials and firms under investigation for malfeasance.
The president's proclivity to clear his appointees and other close cronies of any wrongdoing, as he has done with the continuing investigations into the operations of Akonta Mining Company, is a severe blemish on the Office of the President's already tarnished reputation.
As though proud of his dishonourable moniker, 'the clearing agent,' Nana Akufo-Addo has seemingly defended the presidential exoneration of Akonta Mining, a business controlled by a member of his political party (NPP) and accused of illicit gold mining in the country's forest reserves.
The appalling impudence is that he did it at a public ceremony organized by the country's Catholic clergy.
Fortunately, and sadly, the owner of Akonta Mining has informed us that the Minister has explained to him that they were obliged to move against his firm because to public pressure from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), CSOs, and NGOs. He further stated that the President contacted him, apparently to placate him about the Government's move, and that the Office of Special Prosecutor cannot touch him.
This is a sad statement for a country that has previously been held up as the poster child for the rule of law and democratic government in Africa.
This tragic situation also undermines Ghana's worldwide appeal in climate change and sustainable development discussions throughout the world.
Furthermore, the President's remark cannot be permitted to overrule or replace the legislative mission provided to Ghana's investigating authorities by the Constitution.
Such activities are contrary to justice and the battle against corruption, and they degrade our citizens' trust in our democracy.
As our National Anthem urges us to "cherish fearless honesty" and "fight oppressors' control," we must all support anti-corruption organizations in carrying out their duty honestly and bravely, free of undue influence.
Mahama John Dramani
The date is January 10, 2023.