The government of President John Dramani Mahama has been commended for recording no corruption or scandal in its first year in office, a development described as a clear sign of integrity, discipline, and responsible governance.
Celestina Atanga Akurigo, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Upper East Regional Communications team, attributed the achievement to the Code of Ethics launched by President Mahama in May 2025 to guide the conduct of political appointees.
Speaking on the performance of the government’s first year, on Bolga FM, Madam Akurigo said the ethics code, combined with the president’s firm warnings to appointees, has compelled public officials to act with transparency and accountability.
“The government has not recorded a single corruption or scandal in its first year because appointees are guided by a strict code of ethics. The president has made it clear that corruption will not be tolerated,” she stated.
She further noted that the overwhelming confidence Ghanaians placed in the NDC during the last general election has also served as a moral restraint on appointees.
“Ghanaians voted massively for the NDC, and appointees know they cannot afford to disappoint the people. That trust alone is enough to make you think twice before engaging in corruption,” she added.
Madam Akurigo contrasted the NDC’s posture with that of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing the former Akufo-Addo administration of shielding appointees implicated in corruption.
“Unlike the NPP, which covered up corruption scandals during the Akufo-Addo regime, the NDC will not protect anyone who engages in corrupt practices. Even party members will expose their own if they go against the law,” she stressed.
Touching on the cost of living, she said the Mahama administration has largely met the expectations of Ghanaians, citing improved economic conditions and reduced food prices.
“Today, the cost of living is better than it was when the NPP was leaving office. Many Ghanaians can now afford three square meals a day, which was difficult during the eight years of the NPP,” she said.
However, she expressed concern that despite significant reductions in the prices of staple foods, the cost of processed foods remains unchanged.
“A bowl of maize that was selling between 25 and 30 cedis last year is now selling at 7 to 10 cedis in some markets. Yet a ball of kenkey is still selling at seven cedis,” she lamented.
Madam Akurigo appealed to food vendors to reduce prices in line with falling market costs and government policies that have stabilized the cedi.
“I recently bought a bowl of maize at Sherigu for 10 cedis, but the kenkey seller who buys from the same market still sells one ball at seven cedis. Pepper and tomatoes are also in season and cheaper now, so what is the justification for refusing to reduce prices?” she questioned.
She warned that the failure of food sellers to adjust prices could worsen living conditions and unfairly shift blame onto government.
“It is the same Ghanaians who will make life difficult and later turn around to blame the president and government. Stakeholders must engage food sellers, and if they refuse to cooperate, stronger measures should be considered,” she concluded.
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