By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
In a move that signals his commitment to transparent governance, Ghana’s President-Elect, John Dramani Mahama, has formed a dedicated anti-corruption task force ahead of his inauguration. This decision comes after Mahama won the presidency with a decisive 56% of the vote in the December 7 elections, during which he vowed to recover misappropriated state assets and hold those responsible for corruption accountable.
The anti-corruption team, led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, an experienced lawmaker, includes prominent figures such as former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo, who previously uncovered financial mismanagement before his controversial dismissal. Alongside them are a private legal practitioner, an investigative journalist, and a retired police officer known for solving high-profile crimes. The task force will focus on gathering evidence of alleged corruption and initiating investigations.
Mahama’s transition team made it clear that the new president intends to “hit the ground running” with his anti-corruption agenda. This initiative reflects his broader promise to restore public trust and hold government officials accountable. His pledge to fight corruption was a cornerstone of his campaign, resonating deeply with Ghanaians who have long voiced frustrations over corruption in previous administrations.
This task force marks an important step in Mahama’s efforts to rebuild his reputation and deliver on the promises that helped secure his return to power. Despite facing corruption allegations during his first term, Mahama was never personally implicated, and now he is positioning himself as the leader Ghana needs to move away from its corrupt past.
While this task force brings hope for tackling the long-standing issue of corruption, its success will ultimately depend on the genuine political will behind it. Mahama’s decision to act swiftly shows a sense of urgency, but the challenge lies in ensuring that the investigations and actions are transparent, independent, and lead to tangible consequences for wrongdoers. As citizens eagerly await concrete results, the eyes of the world will be on Mahama’s administration to ensure that this is not just a symbolic gesture but the start of meaningful change for Ghana.
