President John Mahama has issued a firm warning to his ministers that any involvement in a scandal will attract swift and severe consequences, with no protection from the presidency or the party.
The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, confirmed the warning during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, saying the message from President Mahama to his cabinet was clear and unequivocal.
“I can confirm that 100% and I can also confirm that not only has he done that, but the party has also solidly stood behind him, even in cabinet, we are fully behind him in terms of doing that,” Mr Kwetey said.
President John Mahama has repeatedly spoken about restoring discipline, accountability, and integrity in public office, amid public concerns about corruption and governance.
His warning to ministers comes as part of a broader effort to signal zero tolerance for scandals and to assure Ghanaians that wrongdoing in government will attract consequences, regardless of political affiliation.
According to him, the president made it clear to ministers that any wrongdoing would not be tolerated and that the party would not step in to shield anyone who brings scandal to government.
“If you are a member of government, and first of all, you know that the leader of the government is telling you in plain language that you are not going to tolerate any wrong thing, and then you also look and then see the leaders of the party backing him, it means that on all level, father and mother are on one alignment, and therefore you better do what is right,” he said.
Mr Kwetey argued that the firm posture explains the relative absence of scandals in government so far.
“That’s why you can go through a whole year, and you hardly can talk about scandals, because every single person does know that if you do that, you are on your own. The party is not shielding you. The Presidency is not shielding you,” he added.
Pressed on whether ministers would be dismissed if implicated in wrongdoing, Mr Kwetey was emphatic.
“Absolutely, and you will be dealt with,” he said.
He explained that “dealt with” meant facing the full weight of the law, without political interference.
“If what you do is wrong, you actually have to face what you call due process. If you have to be taken to court, you’ll be taken to court. Nobody is shielding you. If you have to be jailed, you’re going to be jailed,” he stated.
Mr Kwetey said the stance reflects a deliberate effort to break with a culture where political parties protect their own at the expense of the national interest.
“A situation where NDC has come, therefore NDC must shield itself, must protect itself, must cover people who are doing wrong. That must be a thing of the past. The country’s interest must remain,” he said.
Asked how cabinet ministers received the warning, Mr Kwetey said they clearly understood that the president was serious.
“I think they clearly do know that the president means every bit of what he said,” he noted.
He revealed that President Mahama even reinforced the message with humour, while leaving no room for doubt.
“The President actually tells them, in joking, that once you hit the trouble, don’t even bother calling, because your call will not be picked up. What is to be done will be done,” he said.
About the Author
