President John Mahama says government is awaiting a forensic audit from the Auditor General with regard to the National Cathedral.
Speaking at his maiden media encounter on Wednesday, September 10, he stressed that the administration is committed to due diligence and fairness in the fight against corruption.
“What you are witnessing is not inaction. It is our steadfast adherence to due diligence, due process and fairness in the pursuit of justice.
“Yes, our insistence on doing things the right way may afford those who have looted this country some temporary relief, but let me be clear, it will not grant them permanent escape.”
The President revealed that prosecutions are progressing under the “Operation Recover All the Loot (ORAL)initiative.
“Over 200 cases are under active investigation, with about 80 people interrogated so far. Several prosecutions have begun progressing steadily and remaining firmly on course.”
He cited examples of ongoing cases.
“In the Republic versus Adu Boahen and three others, the state has submitted witness statements, together with all other documents, and the trial has commenced, and the first of three prosecution witnesses has been called and has been cross-examined by counsel for the accused person.
“With the skytrain case, for instance, the prosecutors have secured a trial date as all preliminary matters have been concluded, and the trial is set to commence.”
The President also spoke on the National Service Authority matter.
“For the National Service Authority case, due to its expansive nature, charges have been drafted and will be filed as soon as the legal year begins against the following persons: the Republic versus Osei Sibey, the Republic versus Eric Nyarkoh, and the Republic versus Gifty Oware.”
He noted that apart from the National Cathedral forensic audit, other cases are equally under review.
“Additionally, charges have been drafted and are ready for filing in the case of the Republic versus Wontumi and Akonta Mining.
“The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is finalising its report with respect to EXIM Bank transactions, dockets are in preparation for the buffer stock case and the DRIP equipment case.
“Investigations are ongoing into the African Cup of Nations case, the match set case, and approximately 20 other cases, currently.”
President Mahama insisted that no case of corruption will be overlooked.
“Let me be clear, every single case of corruption that needs to be investigated is being looked into, and once evidence is found to ground the prosecution, that will happen and happen swiftly.”
He also announced reforms aimed at strengthening governance.
“Looking within, we launched a code of conduct for public officials with an insistence on strict compliance. A high-level working group has been inaugurated to draft a new anti-corruption strategy aimed at strengthening ethical governance and institutional coordination.”
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