I’ve been exorcised from the ‘father for all’ syndrome – Mahama

Former President, John Mahama has said he has been delivered from the ‘father for all’ syndrome, which marked his era as Vice President.

It will be recalled that during his time as the Vice President, his late boss, Professor Mills, was accused of ‘softness’ in his fight against corruption.

This was due to his ‘father for all’ mantra which described his considerate approach in dealing with corruption.

But addressing the press on Sunday, July 7 Mr Mahama said a future NDC government will not pardon any corrupt official in the current NPP administration, including his own appointees.

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According to him, the fight against corruption has become a critical issue of concern and therefore he’ll not be lenient with persons found culpable if he wins power.

“My boss (Professor Mills) was a special person. He several times said he believed in looking forward and not looking into the past, and so I’m sure that people got away with some of the crimes that they had committed against the people.

[But] I can assure you if you believe that I was imbued with the ‘father for all syndrome’, it has been exorcised. And it’s been exorcised because it’s a demand by the people of Ghana. The people of Ghana are asking for accountability”, Mahama said.

He continued, “We must create a situation where everybody who agrees to serve must know that you’ll be held accountable to the people.

“It is not a threat! It is a promise. That we will hold public officers accountable. And it’s not going to be only post regime accountability. I’ve said it several times; if you get into trouble, I’m not going to be a clearing agent to clear you. If the investigative agencies catch up with you, you’re on your own”.

Mr Mahama made these remarks while responding to a question by a journalist, Paa Kwesi Schandorf during his interaction with the press on Sunday evening at the Kempinski Hotel.

In his submissions, Mr Mahama further indicated that the current unrest in Kenya may happen in Ghana, thus the commitment of his future government to aggressively fight corruption.

The issue of corruption continues to be a major national crisis with thousands of citizens, expressing concerns about the failing fight against the menace.

This is despite the creation of the Office of the Special Prosecutor and other existing bodies to help address the canker.

Meanwhile the former president says if elected he’ll empower the Officer of the Special Prosecutor to be more efficient in the discharge of his duties.

By: Paa Kwesi Schandorf