Politics

President Akufo-Addo sacks Ghana’s Finance Minister over corruption allegations

Published

2 years ago

November 14, 2022

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo has sacked the country’s Minister of State for Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, over allegations of corruption, a statement from the Presidency said on Monday.

The sacking of the junior minister which takes immediate effect from November 14, came after topmost investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, uncovered several cases of fraud and financial impropriety against Boahen and were circulated widely early this month.

Local media reports that Akufo-Addo was forced to take the decision to fire the Minister after being “made aware of the allegations” against Boahen in the documentary made by Anas entitled “Galamsey Economy” which is due to be aired on for two days in the capital, Accra, beginning from Monday.

The much talked about documentary made by the famous investigative journalist, according to those who have seen the snippets, has also indicted several government officials as may lead to a wider scandal than earlier thought.

Some excerpts of the documentary have already leaked and one of them, in particular, has caused controversy where Boahen allegedly demanded $200,000 dollars from investors to give to the vice president, Mahamudu Bawumia.

Shortly before the sacking of Boahen was announced, Bawumia admitted to journalists that he had seen the clip in which the Minister was trying to collect money from supposed investors on his behalf, but said he was not aware of the meeting.

“I want to make it clear that if what Mr Boahen is alleged to have said is accurately recorded in the video, his position as Secretary of State is untenable. He should be fired and investigated.

“My most valuable asset in life is my integrity and I will not allow anyone to use my name to engage in corruption,” the vice president said.

In the West African country, “Galamsey” are often referred to illegal gold miners who sell their loot to middlemen who then turn to export.

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Politics

Burkina Faso releases 4 French spies after Moroccan intervention

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

In a diplomatic spat over their imprisonment, France and Morocco announced Thursday that four French nationals detained in Burkina Faso for a year had been freed after mediation from Morocco.

They were spies, according to a prior statement made by the director of France’s foreign intelligence organisation, the DGSE.

A request for comment was not answered by the DGSE or a representative of the French military, which is in charge of the agency.

Since December 2023, they have been held in Ouagadougou.

President Emmanuel Macron hailed King Mohammed of Morocco on Wednesday for his intervention, “which made possible the liberation of our four countrymen who had been held in Burkina Faso for a year,” according to a statement from the French administration.

King Mohammed and President Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso were also commended by Morocco’s foreign ministry, which stated that “this humanitarian act” was made possible by their positive bilateral ties.

In October, France made peace with Morocco, one of its former protectorates, after three years of hostilities between Paris and Rabat stoked by immigration concerns and the disputed Western Sahara region.

Morocco offers Burkina Faso and other military-ruled Sahel republics Atlantic trade.

However, France’s relations with former West and Central African colonies, such as Burkina Faso, remain difficult. In Ouagadougou, French troops and diplomats were ejected, the defence attache and ambassador were asked to depart, and certain French media were suspended.

The military junta that took control in 2022 in Burkina Faso has been criticized by international rights groups for cracking down on free expression and harassing dissidents to handle a security crisis precipitated by Al Qaeda and Islamic State extremists.

Politics

Ghana: President-elect Mahama appoints anti-corruption team

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

According to a statement released by his transition team on Wednesday, Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, has designated an anti-corruption committee to investigate allegations of wrongdoing.

When he takes office next month, Mahama, the leading opposition candidate in the presidential election held on December 7 and who received almost 56% of the vote, has pledged to reclaim the proceeds of corruption and hold those responsible for it accountable.

In anticipation, an anti-graft squad has been established. The parliament’s Committee on Assurances, which has previously raised suspicions of governmental corruption, is chaired by MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah.

An investigative journalist, a private attorney, a former auditor general, and a former police officer with experience in high-profile robbery cases make up the other three members.

After looking into alleged financial irregularities that took place during the previous administration, Daniel Dumelovo, the former auditor general, was fired.

Recovering lost assets and fighting corruption were two of Mahama’s main campaign pledges.

“He intends to hit the ground running on these commitments,” the statement said.

Eight years after leaving office, former President Mahama is back to head the West African country. Despite not being personally contaminated, he faced criticism during his 2012–2016 administration due to claims of political corruption.