Kwaku Baako backs calls to publicise GYEEDA report

Editor of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako Jnr., has backed calls to make the Ghana Youth Entrepreneurial and Employment Development Agency (GYEEDA) investigative report public.

The veteran journalist was emphatic: "In the name of greater transparency and accountability the report must be made public."

Speaking on the Peace FM's Kokrokoo on Wednesday July 24 Kweku Baako said it would be in government's own interest to disclose key findings and recommendations in the report.

Government is yet to disclose details of an investigative report into an alleged corruption and financial malfeasance at GYEEDA.

Although President Mahama has promised to carefully study of the recommendations contained in the report, Kweku Baako is of the view that publicising the report will stimulate informed discussions, which would even benefit government on the way forward.

There have been calls on the president to make a full disclosure of the contents of the report since it was handed to him on Tuesday July 16.

One of such calls came from Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby, Chief Policy Analyst at the Ghana Institute of Public Policy Options, who among other things believes the President must make the findings and recommendations public if he is really serious about acting on it.

Others have speculated that government may be attempting to manipulate the contents of the report to cover up findings that incriminate top officials in the report.

Frank Annor-Dompreh, MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri in the Eastern Region, cautioned the president against influencing the investigative report on GYEEDA.

Furthermore, Nana Akomea, Director of Communications of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has also said the government will lose credibility if it does not act swiftly on the report.

Government has, however, indicated that it has no problem implementing the recommendations of the report.

According to Deputy Information Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, President Mahama is committed to abiding by the recommendations contained in the report.

But Kweku Baako thinks speculations about the full details of the investigative report is unhealthy for the reputation of government and other institutions as well as top government officials mentioned in the report.

Procurement laws flouted

The journalist who claimed to have a copy of the 163 page document in his possession, said it is clear from the report the procurement law was flouted by government officials.

According to him, the findings in the report also point to "a very weak governance system".

Kwaku Baako said although it would be difficult to directly link the President to some of the rot identified in the report, "as a matter of principle", all the blame must go to him.