Mahama Warns Ministers: One Scandal and You're Fired
President John Mahama has warned his ministers that any involvement in scandal will be met with swift and severe consequences, with no protection coming from either the presidency or the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The stern message was confirmed by NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday. He said the President’s directive to his cabinet was “clear and unequivocal.”
“I can confirm that 100% and I can also confirm that not only has he done that, but the party has also solidly stood behind him, even in cabinet, we are fully behind him in terms of doing that,” Mr Kwetey stated.
This warning forms part of President Mahama’s ongoing efforts to restore discipline, accountability, and integrity within public office, responding to growing public concerns regarding corruption and governance. The President wants to ensure that any wrongdoing receives appropriate repercussions, irrespective of a minister’s political affiliation.
According to Mr Kwetey, the President stressed to his ministers that no form of misconduct would be tolerated and that the party would not interfere to protect anyone who engaged in scandalous behavior.
“If you are a member of government, and first of all, you know that the leader of the government is telling you in plain language that you are not going to tolerate any wrong thing, and then you also look and then see the leaders of the party backing him, it means that on all level, father and mother are on one alignment, and therefore you better do what is right,” he explained.
Mr Kwetey believes this firm approach is already contributing to a relative lack of scandals within the government. “That’s why you can go through a whole year, and you hardly can talk about scandals, because every single person does know that if you do that, you are on your own. The party is not shielding you. The Presidency is not shielding you,” he added.
When questioned about the possibility of ministers being dismissed for alleged wrongdoing, Mr. Kwetey responded emphatically, “Absolutely, and you will be dealt with.” He clarified that “dealt with” means facing the full force of the law, without any political intervention.
“If what you do is wrong, you actually have to face what you call due process. If you have to be taken to court, you’ll be taken to court. Nobody is shielding you. If you have to be jailed, you’re going to be jailed,” he stated decisively.
The NDC General Secretary maintained that this stance represents a conscious effort to move away from a culture of political parties protecting their own, even when it compromises the national interest. “A situation where NDC has come, therefore NDC must shield itself, must protect itself, must cover people who are doing wrong. That must be a thing of the past. The country’s interest must remain,” he said.
Mr Kwetey indicated that cabinet ministers understood the President’s seriousness, adding that President Mahama even lightened the mood with a bit of humor while driving his message home. “The President actually tells them, in joking, that once you hit the trouble, don’t even bother calling, because your call will not be picked up. What is to be done will be done,” he revealed.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
