Akufo-Addo has become a 'laughing stock' – Dela Edem

A member of the National Democratic Congress [NDC] communication team, Dela Edem has tagged the first gentleman of the land as a disgrace to the nation.

He said a greater section of Ghanaians are very much disappointed in the President including some genuine members of the ruling NPP because his promises does not match his style of governance.

“So far President Akufo-Addo has become a laughing stock to the international community and a disgrace to Ghana, embarrassing everybody as our leader,” he said during a discussion about the recent flooding problems in the country.

However, Dela Edem who spoke on UTV’s late news programme agreed with Ex-President Rawlings on the removal of the indemnity clauses.

“ . . But I pray he [former President Jerry John Rawlings] is left a free man should these laws be amended,” he added.

Background

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has in a characteristic June 4 address called for an urgent review of the Fourth Republican constitution to remove entrenched clauses that protect high level political actors and embolden some of them to abuse their office and criminally profit from their positions.

Delivering the keynote address at a parade, wreath-laying and durbar to climax activities marking the 40th anniversary of the June 4 uprising at Nungua on Tuesday, the architect of the uprising said there are many constitutional clauses that do not serve our interest and called for an urgent establishment of a constituent assembly to review them.

“Over the years the indemnity clauses have emboldened certain characters to abuse their offices and profit themselves. The constitution of the Fourth Republic was created by us, for us and to serve us, and in light of the 25 years, there is an unqualified need to reform or rewrite our current constitution. An urgent constituent assembly ought to be established with the necessary powers to rewrite the constitution.”

Flt Lt Rawlings said problematic clauses such as the transitional provisions and the indemnity clauses need to be reviewed to ensure that everyone is equal before the law to encourage transparency, accountability and responsible governance.