He (Bagbin) may be right…whether he likes it or not, it is damaging. There’s a collateral effect that damages the integrity not only of the President but of the party and government. That one is unsolicited service he has provided for political opponents….he (Bagbin) may or may not be right on all the detail of his issues. But as an Analyst, if I want to proceed further; I would challenge him to strict prove...If you cannot prove it, don’t say it,” Abdul Malik Kweku Baako.
Editor-In-Chief of the New Crusading Guide, Kweku Baako Jnr., has challenged Hon. Alban Bagbin, former Works and Housing Minister, to back his claims that President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to fighting corruption is lacking, with appropriate evidence or else hold his peace.
The political commentator wants the seasoned politician to “provide better particulars” to support his claims. He is of the view that until he (Hon. Bagbin) produces substantial evidence, he cannot make such wild public outbursts about the Mahama administration.
Nadowli-Kaleo MP openly poured out his reservations about the president’s apparent lack of commitment to fight corruption in the country saying he was yet to see a semblance of political leadership and commitment to fight the canker.
He particularly expressed frustration at the government’s handling of the findings contained in an investigative report on the operations of the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA).
A committee set up by the government to conduct the investigations cited some officials for complicity in shady deals and plain stealing, and recommended their prosecution. The report also recommended the abrogation of some contracts with service providers under GYEEDA.
But months after the report was submitted to the President, action is yet to be taken and Mr Bagbin thinks it has taken too long for the government to act on the recommendations.
However, Kweku Baako believes the evidence is not substantial enough.
Contributing to discussions on PeaceFM’s “Kokrokoo” Morning Show, he alluded to similar instances where the former Health Minister strongly accused the erstwhile Kufuor government of corruption, dragged him before the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), yet failed to offer strict proof of his allegations.
According to him, though CHRAJ absolved President Kufuor and his government of any misdemeanor, the NDC made political capital out of it.
“The point is that this is not the first time, Mr. Bagbin…This same Bagbin accused Kufuor of corruption and dragged him to CHRAJ. He linked Kufuor’s corruption to renovation of the Castle and some State bungalows…But he did not prove any of those things," Kweku Baako said.
To him, it appears it's the turn of the ruling NDC to be at the receiving end of Bagbin’s accusations since the opposition parties will definitely use his (Bagbin’s) comments as ammunition against the President.
He believes such remarks indict President Mahama as Head of State and leader of the ruling party, and negatively affects the structure of the government.
“He may be right. I’m saying he’s said it, and once he’s said it; whether he likes it or not, it is damaging. There’s a collateral effect that damages the integrity not only of the President but of the party and government. That one is unsolicited service he has provided for political opponents."
He challenged Hon. Bagbin, saying he "may or may not be right on all the details of his issues. But as an Analyst, if I want to proceed further; I would challenge him to strict prove...If you cannot prove it, don’t say it.”
