Mahama to take action against corrupt appointees - Victor Smith

Former Ghana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Victor Smith, has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama is preparing to take serious action against government appointees implicated in corruption. Smith warned that officials who assume public office to enrich themselves risk losing their positions. This move is part of Mahama's efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in his administration.

According to Smith, President Mahama has made it clear that he will not tolerate appointees who misuse their positions to make money. The President is monitoring their conduct and will act when convinced that an official has engaged in wrongdoing. Smith revealed that Mahama had stated that those appointed to positions should not think they are there to make money, as they risk being fired if found to be engaging in corrupt activities.

Victor Smith recalled Mahama making remarks about accountability in a sarcastic manner, suggesting that some appointees would be surprised by the decisions he would take. Smith believes that Mahama knows what he is doing and will take action when necessary. He emphasized that the President must translate his warnings into action, insisting that public officials should not be allowed to treat government appointments as opportunities to accumulate wealth.

Smith's comments come amid concerns surrounding recent cocaine and drug-related incidents in Ghana and questions about the performance of the country's security leadership. Some people have questioned the President's handling of the security heads after he summoned them for discussions on the way forward, only for further incidents to emerge. However, Smith cautioned against assuming that the President would not take action simply because his next move had not been made public.

Victor Smith maintained that decisions concerning officials who have failed to perform their responsibilities rest with the President. He added that Mahama was expected to take serious decisions soon regarding officials who had failed in their duties. Smith's comments suggest that the President is committed to taking action against corrupt officials and improving the performance of his administration.

The former High Commissioner emphasized that the President must crack the whip when the time comes to do so, stressing that public officials should not be allowed to treat government appointments as opportunities to accumulate wealth. He stated that Mahama's warnings must be backed by action, and that the President's commitment to accountability will be judged by his willingness to take tough decisions.

Victor Smith's comments provide insight into President Mahama's stance on accountability and his willingness to take action against corrupt officials. The President's commitment to transparency and accountability will be closely watched, particularly in light of recent concerns about corruption and security in Ghana. Key decisions are expected to be taken soon, which will demonstrate the President's resolve to address these issues.

Key points

• President Mahama will take serious action against government appointees implicated in corruption.
• The President is monitoring the conduct of appointees and will act when convinced that an official has engaged in wrongdoing.
• Victor Smith emphasized that Mahama's warnings must be backed by action to demonstrate his commitment to accountability.