John Dramani Mahama, flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has said he will not interfere with the works of anti-corruption institutions if elected as President.
He says he will allow the institutions to work independently irrespective of whom amongst his appointees would be involved in corruption and corruption-related offences.
John Mahama, together with members of the NDC, during an interaction with the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) Monday, April 08, 2024, cautioned his would-be appointees should he regain the presidency, that Ghanaians would be looking up to them to perform, and whoever got himself involved in any act of corruption will face the full rigors of the law since he is not a “clearing agent.”
“People have taken advantage of the country, they must be dealt with. That’s why I have said when I come into office and I’m swearing in the Ministers, I will give them a caution and say ‘hey my friend, Ghanaians are looking up to you. Go and do your work well. If you go and EOCO or Special Prosecutor comes after you, me I’m not a clearing agent, I won’t interfere, I will let them do their work’,” he said at the meeting.
John Mahama, at the said engagement, challenged the gathering to put the promises of politicians to scrutiny, especially those promising to scrap some taxes should they become president.
The former President has been saying that whatever levies the Vice President has been promising to scrap are part of the government’s arrangement with the IMF, asking that they scrap those taxes now and should not wait till one becomes a President.
“So they have signed an agreement with the IMF to impose those taxes and that’s not all, we are 17.7% they have even committed the next government and said that by 2028 we should bring tax revenue to 24% of GDP. So if you really are serious that you want to give tax relief, you can start now. If you want to do a flat rate, you can start now.
“So, you can ask the person, IMF you’ve signed an agreement, how come you’re promising to remove the same revenues that you said you’ll raise to 24%? How come you’re promising to remove them only when you’re elected?” he quizzed.
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