Nana Addo’s success will depend on how he deals with corrupt ex-officials - Lawyer

Private legal practitioner, lawyer Maurice Ampaw has stated that the current President, Nana Akufo-Addo’s success or failure would be measured on how he deals with previous corrupt officials under the erstwhile Mahama administration.

‘’I have said that whether Nana Addo succeed or not; on his campaign promises-the most important one is fighting corruption. One of the things that led to the humiliating defeat of the NDC was the litany of corruption Nana Addo and his campaign team convinced Ghanaians of fighting, and so, if they fail to deliver on that promise, Ghanaians will be disappointed.

’’ Mr. Ampaw emphasied that, the NPP should be able to prosecute former officials found culpable of corruption because, ''failure to do so will mean that, the NPP lied to Ghanaians and will see it as scratch my back I scratch your back. Nana Addo should not cover the corruption under the NDC, they should fight it. That is my advice to Nana Addo.''

He also called on government to tread with caution in the abrogation of contracts under the previous administration. Speaking to Kwame Tutu on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, the lawyer added, if you have a one sided committee looking at it from one angle; and the one you signed the contract with is likely to be affected, its either you write to the company and tell them what you have discovered-So their lawyers can also respond appropriately. Maybe, by their response, it will give the committee a better idea and fair view of the issues, and on the way forward.

The abrogation of contracts should not be seen as unfair, arbitrary by the affected companies. They should not see it as bad faith.

This are some of the issues that normally lead to judgment debts.’’ He was speaking on the issue of review and abrogation of contracts and the impact it will have on the nation.

Government has cancelled a contract worth GHC225million that was awarded by the erstwhile John Dramani Mahama-led government for the supply of farm inputs, upon advice the newly inaugurated Board of Cocobod.

Lawyer Ampaw in his view said, it is not too early for the current administration to review or abrogate contracts and he is hoping that, Nana Addo and his team will present a strong legal team to do the job.

According to him, the government after abrogating any contract, must inform the citizens on the reason why it was cancelled so, that those found culpable would be sanctioned by the appropriate authorities.

‘’Why was the contract cancelled? What informed that decision? The public should be aware for the cancellation of any contract.

Those who are also found culpable for any corrupt practice, should be sanctioned. It is not a deterrent enough to just cancel the contract. The sanction must be applied,’’ he added.

He suggested it will better if abrogation of contracts is done in the court rather than political appointees since that will save us a lot of money.