PROBITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY QUERY FOR ALL AND OF ALL

My simplest knowledge in auditing tells me that auditors’ responsibility is to cheek and upraise the expenditures of entities, both public and private against budgeted allocations to validate whether funds are used judiciously for the purpose funds are allocated to or funds are diverted and not used for the intended purpose(s). That, if auditors can prove that funds are not applied to their intended purposes, then persons in charge have questions to answer to that effect. Thus, a person in charge have questions to answer to prove appropriation or misappropriation.

                           

Since independence, I can surely say each governments of the Republic of Ghana; or I think i'm going too far, since 1992 Republican Constitution was promulgated, all governments have had accountability questions unanswered. How do I know, am sure that will be your question for me, right? Yes my evidence is that the auditor general's reports every year indict government ministries, departments and agencies for misappropriation of funds. There were allegations which were thousand times denied by governments in power which turn out to be true anyway. Even the Nana Akuffo Addo government which is only five months on 7th, June has accountability, procedural and nepotism questions hugging on its neck and the neck of the Minister of Finance for $2,5billion Eurobond Saga.

Accountability question even, does not apply to only use of funds or misapplication of funds, but use of power or misuse of power of the people. That, people who are given power to exercise on behalf of the people should all be probed to give fair and firm accounts of their stewardship to the nation. Thus, if we want to do honest evaluation of successive governments, since the Fourth Republic which government could raise up its hands and say: “If you probe me I will come out clean”? Is it Papa Jerry John, Gentle Giant Agyekum John or “Edebeee keke” Dramani John? Oh sorry I omitted “Asumgiehene” Prof Fifi John, well Prof is the only person I always say due to disrespect to him by his own people was tented by some abuses of power and accountability issues. In fact, in my estimations Professor Mills was the most abused President since the Forth Republic. Why, he was not ready to kill an ant in the name of power and those around him knew it, but things happened which we can objectively say his government could not be exonerated of, of abuse of power.

For Nana President’s government, why can we say all is well, when some forces; what is/are their name(s)? Is it “Data or Date Forces or Vicible-invicible Forces”, could molest police officers and have the guts to enter courtroom and free suspects, and he only speaks, but could not act. Unfortunately we are ask by the Interior Minister to bring “glaring known evidence” before he will act. Oh, I heard Former President Rawlings talking about why he relived Mr. Victor Smith of his post. What did he say; that he sack Victor Smith because of Nigerian “cash” for Professor Mills campaign which never came? If this allegation is true, may I know, if this funding of political parties by external sources; non-Ghanaians is not prohibited by 1992 Constitution of Ghana? That, if he was aware of that, as a statesman who abhor corruption in any kind, why did he not report his Special Aide Victor Smith to the police for violating our constitution?

According to the reporter “Papa J” also said: “But you know the one who angered me the most, our Professor Mills who knew the truth but kept quiet for this poison to burn me. As if I was fraudulent,” he added.” Ah! Mr. Rawlings wanted Prof Mills to defend him before? Humm Prof Rest in Peace, you are vilified even into the grave. Oh, but does it mean you still hold something against the Prof even to his grave, Mr Rawlings? Well this is my simple question, in fact probity and accountability question: Has President Rawlings cleared himself of the Sani Abacha money allegations? I rest my case here for now.

What I think is, it is time to apply the probity and accountability principles, if not just theoretical weapon to all and for all regimes and parties, including all government agencies and inquire the truth of all the regimes, since the Fourth Republic. Let's all rise up for the truth and sell it not, let's edify our souls and the soul of our nation Ghana with truth, honesty, probity and accountability. None should pretend to be holier than thu or an Archangel. God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong. Oh help us God. #IStandForTruth and #IStandForTheNationalInterest

BY MOSES A. KATAMANI 

Email: mosbless@gmail.com 

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