I Joined Mahama for public service – Batidam

Veteran anti-corruption campaigner with the Africa Parliamentarians Network against Corruption (APNAC), Daniel Batidam, has finally broken his silence over public perception that he has abandoned his course to join government.

Mr. Batidam’s appointment to the presidency as adviser on governance was widely viewed as a move to neutralize his biting sting on corruption in government.

However, speaking to ultimate radio in his first media encounter after taking up his appointment, he emphasized that he remains resolute at helping government deal with the canker of corruption.

He said he had anticipated the public response when the news broke that he had taken up an appointment to join President Mahama at the presidency.

“It is not surprising to me when after taking a job in government which I consider as public service, people are saying now the guy has also given up and now wants to have his share,” he said.

According to him, governance becomes a national affair soon after a president is sworn into power.

“As soon as the president is sworn into office, he is the president of the republic of Ghana and all Ghanaians, NDC, NPP, PNC, CPP are entitled to governance,” Mr. Batidam contended.

He added, “it is more necessary for people like me to be in government today because the issues that need dealing with, the issues confronting us are the ones we have been working on and advocating for action to be taken over the years.”

He contends he accepted to join President John Mahama’s administration in the spirit of public service to the nation. Mr. Batidam however maintains that fighting corruption is not a matter of morality.

He says it rests solely on systems and the checks and balances effected to find and punish perpetrators. Daniel Batidam’s appointment brings to 14, the number of presidential advisors and special aides at the behest of the President.

The appointment of Mr. Batidam again brings to 12, the number of civil society and NGO activists currently serving in the NDC government at levels of ministers, deputy ministers, advisors and special aides.