Rawlings' probity and accountability failed - Prof. Ocquaye

Former President Rawlings failed with the fight against corruption in the country in spite of his “rhetoric on probity and accountability”, a former first deputy speaker of parliament has said.

According to Professor Mike Ocquaye, Mr Rawlings, in his last state of the nation address to Parliament admitted that he had lost the fight against the canker.

“In Rawlings' time, there was so much rhetoric about accountability and probity but it came to nothing.

"In his last speech in parliament, he said corruption had really gone beyond bounds. And that he was going to write to the World Bank and IMF people to carry out a forensic study,” the former MP stated in an interview.

According to him, former President John Kufuor was more potent with his fight against corruption than most of the leaders who came before and after him.

“President Kufuor came (into office), we saw repeal of the criminal libel law; ensuring freedom and speech. We also saw the procurement act introduced, and all that have improved transparency in the system,” he stated.

He said the presidency must take the lead in the fight against corruption in order for the ordinary Ghanaian to take the campaign against the canker seriously.