Sputnik V Scandal: Can The Mother Serpent of Corruption Punish a Baby Serpent of Corruption?

During the first term of President Akufo-Addo, attempts were made by goverment communicators to project him as a listening President who was responsive to the concerns of the people on important national decisions. The withdrawal of the towing levy policy and the cancellation of the PDS contract among others, following public backlash were argued by some communicators as a mark of responsive leadership.

However, this accolade is proving to be a mirage as recent developments put the president as a leader who careless about the concerns of his followers.

A critical example is the Sputnik V contract involving Sheikh Dalmook Al Maktoum as an intermediary. The fact that the Minister has engaged in gross violation of every financial law and regulations that matter remains uncontestable.

Myriad of Ghanaians have therefore been calling for the dismissal of the Health Minister, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu as it has become clear that he would not heed to the clarion call to resign. To the dismay of many citizens, the President has rather adopted a lukewarm attitude towards such calls as he made a joke of the criticisms directed towards Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, suggesting that he is being vilified.

To many objective analysts and neutral citizens, this and many other actions and omissions of President Akufo-Addo when it comes to fairness, transparency, and corruption continue to cast doubts on his commitment to protecting the public purse as promised. The entire communication machinery of government have been deployed into a spirited defence of the Minister. As if that were not enough, the presidency had granted Mr Agyeman-Manu a two weeks leave in the midst of increasing calls for his resignation.

The combined effects of these acts by the president and his army of communicators can only lead to the conclusion that the president and the entire government is never interested in fighting corruption. It reminds many onlookers of the assertion by the former Special Prosecutor, Mr Martin Amidu that Mr Akufo-Addo is the mother serpent of corruption. And if so, how do we expect the mother serpent of corruption to prosecute or sack the a baby serpent of corruption? A question by a Ghanaian begging for answers.

Source: Dogbey Sankara || InsiderGH.com