President John Dramani Mahama has warned that abuse of public trust must be punished, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in governance across Africa.
Addressing the Zambian Parliament today during his three-day visit, President Mahama said Africa deserves transparent and accountable leadership, adding that institutions and laws established to fight corruption must be allowed to operate without fear or favour.
He emphasized that public resources must be protected and used efficiently for the benefit of the people, noting that strong democratic institutions are essential for sustainable development.
“Abuse of public trust must be punished. We must protect public resources and use them efficiently for the good of our people”
Quoting former United States President Barack Obama, Mahama said, “Africa does not need strong men; it needs strong institutions,” and called for independent and efficient parliaments and judiciaries that work in the public interest.
The President also expressed concern about democratic backsliding in parts of West Africa, where some countries are experiencing a return to military rule.
However, he reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to constitutional democracy, saying the country is determined to prove that democracy can deliver prosperity and opportunity for its people.
“In our sub-region of West Africa, democracy is backsliding with a return to military dictatorships. Ghana is, however, on a mission to prove that democracy works and that our people can achieve prosperity and opportunity under a constitutional democracy.”
