Ghana reaffirms commitment to constitutional governance and anti-corruption fight — Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to constitutional governance and the rule of law, while pledging a sustained fight against corruption to ensure accountability in public office.
Delivering the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament, President Mahama emphasized that Ghana’s democratic stability depends on strict adherence to constitutional provisions and transparent governance practices.
“In 1992, we overwhelmingly chose constitutional democracy over any form of unconstitutional governance,” President Mahama said. “I swore to uphold the 1992 Constitution, and I remain committed to protecting the rights of all Ghanaians under the rule of law.”
The President noted that while citizens are impatient to see justice delivered in corruption-related cases, investigations must follow due process to protect innocent citizens and ensure fairness.
“I may be as impatient as every Ghanaian to see justice done,” he said. “But painstaking investigations must be conducted, dockets prepared, charges filed, and accused persons given their day in court, including the right to appeal on even the smallest point of law.”
He referenced Ghana’s democratic history, cautioning against the use of extra-judicial measures in dealing with corruption.
“While there were times in our history when extra-judicial means were used to punish perceived offenders, such methods often led to regrettable excesses,” he stated. “Our democracy must be guided by the rule of law to protect citizens from abuse and injustice.”
President Mahama also announced progress in strengthening anti-corruption institutions and legal frameworks to enhance accountability in public office.
He highlighted the submission of the Public Office Code of Conduct Bill to Parliament, which seeks to regulate the behavior of public officials and impose sanctions for breaches.
“Public office is a public trust,” the President said. “Any breach of that trust must attract appropriate legal consequences.”
He commended the Chief Justice for establishing specialized high courts to fast-track corruption and financial crime cases arising from Auditor-General reports.
According to the President, law enforcement agencies have intensified collaboration with financial intelligence institutions and prosecutors to strengthen asset recovery efforts.
“We will continue to use both criminal prosecution and non-conviction-based asset recovery mechanisms to ensure that stolen public resources are returned to support national development,” he added.
President Mahama expressed confidence that strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability would help restore public trust in governance.
