“Akufo-Addo Must Account for Financial Misconduct Under His Watch” – Dr. Kennedy
Dr. Kennedy urges former President Akufo-Addo to explain his role during alleged corruption under his administration
- Dr. Kennedy urges former President Akufo-Addo to account for alleged financial misconduct under his administration
- Ofori-Atta and seven others face 78 charges over Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) contracts
- Kennedy warns of a culture of impunity and political protection undermining Ghana’s justice system
Political commentator Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy has called on former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to answer for alleged financial misconduct that occurred during his administration, particularly actions linked to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
Speaking on Saturday, Dr. Kennedy argued that if attention is focused solely on Ofori-Atta’s alleged misdeeds, the former president must also explain what he was doing while his ministers were reportedly misappropriating state resources. He emphasized that Akufo-Addo has a moral responsibility to address these issues.
The discussion took place on a programme hosted by Lawyer Samson Lardy Anyenini titled Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in the Eye of the Storm, Why EOCO is Abusing Human Rights, Galamsey Tribunals to Deliver Swift Justice, which focused on the OSP’s planned arraignment of Ofori-Atta and others over 78 charges of corruption.
Dr. Kennedy dismissed claims that the case against Ofori-Atta is ineffective because he is abroad, noting that trials can proceed with legal representation, and even if he avoids jail time, his refusal to return carries shame and serves as a deterrent.
The OSP has announced that Ofori-Atta and seven others will be arraigned on November 24 over the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) contracts. Kennedy argued the case highlights concerns about partisanship in Ghana’s justice system, suggesting that officials appeared untouchable while Akufo-Addo’s government was in power.
He criticized a culture of political protection and impunity, stating that questionable contracts, syndicated loans, and the SML agreement unfolded over time without parliamentary or executive intervention.
He also referenced other incidents, including the El Wak Stadium deaths and attacks on women, as examples where authorities failed to act decisively.
On galamsey tribunals, Kennedy warned that focusing only on prosecution misses the larger national security implications of illegal mining, stressing that the state must take decisive action beyond tribunals to address the crisis.
