We must prosecute ‘corrupt’ officials as well – Akoto Osei

The Minister for Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei, has suggested prosecution against public officials who steal money from the state’s coffers.

He said it is not enough for the state to just retrieve monies embezzled and allow the culprit to go scot-free.

The Former Minister of State in charge of Finance admitted that the nation cannot eradicate corruption completely from the system since it is a human institution “yet avenues must not be created for evil men to prevail”.

Dr. Akoto Osei said these are some of the reason why President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has compelled every minister of state to declare their assets in accordance with the law in order to track their wealth. As an example, the president and his vice have also declared their assets as well, he said, and I believe all deputy ministers are yet to do same.

Asked about measures being put in place by his government to ensure that the President’s determination to fighting corruption is achieved, Dr Akoto Osei underscored one problem with Ghana as having many laws but poor implementation.

Therefore, it is the law that should be allowed to work, he said.

According to him, if people are severely punished for wrongdoing, it would serve as a deterrent for others to be careful in the discharge of their duties.

The conversation was triggered by President Akufo-Addo’s address to the Ghanaian community in Sierra Leone that he will not shield any corrupt public official.

Dr. Akoto Osei supported the president but urged him to go extra mile to prosecute corrupt officials after the stolen monies been retrieved.

Source: 3news