Kwasi Nyarko, a governance expert, has advised the newly elected President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, to exercise caution when considering the prosecution of officials from the previous Akufo-Addo administration who may have engaged in misconduct.
Mr Nyarko urged President Mahama to resist pressures from constituents and other stakeholders who are advocating for the prosecution of former government officials. He emphasized that successful prosecution and securing of convictions must not be influenced by emotional responses or public sentiment; rather, they should be grounded in comprehensive investigations aimed at obtaining robust evidence.
In a congratulatory message to Mr. Mahama for his victory in the 2024 general elections, he articulated, “You have achieved a significant electoral success, and public expectations are exceedingly high. I advise you to maintain composure under pressure and to avoid any missteps. While it is crucial to hold previous officials accountable for their actions, it is imperative to proceed judiciously. Conduct thorough investigations to gather compelling evidence, as this is essential for judicial processes. Failing to do so may result in a continuation of past practices. I wish you all the best in your endeavors.”
In a related comment, Mr. Ben Boakye, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), noted that President Mahama will assume leadership during a challenging period, particularly within the energy sector, which may hinder public expectations. He remarked that the sector has been systematically compromised, benefiting a select few while imposing significant burdens on the general populace through budgetary allocations, levies, and elevated profit margins.
To illustrate the gravity of the energy sector’s situation, Mr. Boakye indicated that annual revenues from the oil sector are insufficient to cover yearly under-recoveries in the power sector, despite the public contributing approximately GHS 3 billion annually in levies and margins. In essence, citizens are financing deficiencies that disproportionately enrich revenue collectors.
In his statement, Mr. Boakye asserted, “Upon taking office on January 7th, you will inherit an energy sector beleaguered by annual waste exceeding GHS 50 billion.”
He further stated, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your electoral victory and the extraordinary confidence demonstrated by the people of Ghana. I wish you success and hope that this overwhelming endorsement will not lead to regret among Ghanaians. You are likely cognizant of the numerous challenges that lie ahead, particularly in the energy sector, which could potentially undermine public expectations. Over the past eight years, I have advocated for sound policies to ensure that the energy sector plays a vital role in economic development by providing industries and the public with affordable and reliable power, while minimizing public funding waste, all within the context of optimizing the oil sector amid the global transition to sustainable energy.”
