Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has stated that the Mahama administration will not dismiss or compel public officials to resign based solely on allegations made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP). According to her, any disciplinary action must be preceded by a thorough investigation. This stance was made clear in response to the NPP's demands following allegations raised during its Yɛgye yɛ sika demonstrations.
Muslim emphasized that the government would not accept claims made by the opposition as established facts or use them as grounds for sanctioning individuals accused of misconduct. She made these remarks while responding to the NPP's demands, stressing that allegations of criminal conduct could only be established through proper investigative procedures and not public discussions.
The Deputy Presidential Spokesperson declined to comment on the substance of the allegations, saying she would wait for the outcome of the processes initiated to establish the facts. However, she assured the public that the government remained committed to accountability and would not protect any official found culpable of wrongdoing.
Citing the NDC's manifesto, Muslim said accountability, alongside job creation and prosperity, formed part of the party's three main policy pillars. President Mahama, in his Resetting Ghana manifesto, popularly acclaimed that no one under his government would be shielded if the person was found to have engaged in any wrongdoing.
Muslim also referenced the government's code of conduct, which outlines various forms of misconduct and the sanctions applicable when breaches are established. She rejected the NPP's demand for immediate resignations and dismissals, including its threat to initiate a motion of censure if the government failed to comply.
The Deputy Presidential Spokesperson defended the government's handling of the opposition's demonstrations and petition presentations, contrasting it with what she described as the NPP's record when it was in office. According to her, the opposition had been received respectfully whenever it visited to present petitions and had been allowed to demonstrate without police brutality or attempts to disrupt its activities.
Muslim further stated that on each occasion, the opposition had been welcomed with dignity, respect, and the honour that they, as members of an opposition and key players in Ghana's democracy, deserve. The government, she said, was committed to upholding democratic values and ensuring accountability in governance.
Key points
- The Mahama administration will not dismiss public officials based solely on allegations made by the NPP.
- The government remains committed to accountability and will not protect any official found culpable of wrongdoing.
- The NDC's manifesto emphasizes accountability, job creation, and prosperity as key policy pillars.
