I advised Rawlings on indemnity clause removal – Odike reveals

Bankroller and the founder United Progressive Party (UPP), Mr. Akwasi Addai Odike has revealed he advised former President Jerry John Rawlings on call for an urgent review of the nation’s constitution to remove clauses that protect high-level political actors from prosecution and accountability.

“I said this on many radio programs…articles upon articles have been published on it so the former President Rawlings hear them”, Mr. Odike explained.

Recently delivering keynote address at a parade to mark the 40th anniversary of this year’s June 4 uprising, Mr. Rawlings said there are too many indemnity clauses that do not serve the national interest in the constitution.

“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”, the former military ruler observed.

However, speaking to Mr. Rawlings’ calls on Kumasi-based Nhyira FM during panel discussion monitored by MyNewsGh.com, the 2016 UPP flagbearer said the architectural design of the 1992 Constitution is embodiment of corruption for any Executive President to perpetrate with ease.

“Everything bothers on the Executive President so anyone in power can choose to do what he or she likes”, Mr. Odike told the host of ‘Kroyi Mu Nsem’ political talk show, Aduanaba Kofi Asante Enning.

The businessman therefore, suggested“we should strip off some of the powers of the President to end the impunity that goes on in the country currently.

The Constitution should not be in a way that will protect some persons 100%. The indemnities clause must be removed to make us all equal before the law”