Manasseh Azure Urges Mahama to Act on Alleged ‘Deal-Cutting’ by NDC Lawyers

Anti-corruption campaigner and investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take swift action following revelations by the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Kwetey, that some NDC lawyers are allegedly attempting to “cut deals” for persons facing prosecution.

In a Facebook post, Manasseh described the matter as a “scandal” that must not be allowed to fester, stressing that Ghanaians would not tolerate a return to “business as usual.”

“Ghana cannot afford another business as usual,” he wrote, urging the President to uphold the public’s demand for accountability.

Fiifi Kwetey made the claims while addressing the 5th Annual General Conference of NDC lawyers, accusing some within the party of obstructing efforts to prosecute individuals implicated in wrongdoing.

“Despite the fact that pleas and pressure are coming from the public that punishment has to be meted and this must be done properly, some among us are busy trying to cut deals with people who are supposed to be prosecuted,” he said, warning that such actions risk undermining public trust in the government’s anti-corruption agenda.

Although Mr. Kwetey did not mention specific names, he cautioned that those involved “know themselves” and would be exposed in due time.

His comments come as the Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Srem Sai, provided updates on cases under the government’s Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative. He acknowledged public frustration over the slow pace of prosecutions but insisted that due process must be followed.

“To the extent that for Adu Boahene, we have covered one-third of the case, if not for the legal vacation, which stops the court for two months, we would probably have concluded our case,” Dr. Srem Sai explained in an interview with TV3. “The expectation is legitimate because of what we have witnessed, but the work we are doing is very thorough and vibrant.”