The Mahama government’s anti-corruption stance has drawn criticism from the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP), which questions why the administration would create an anti-corruption body while purportedly shielding GoldBod from accountability.
The Institute states that the situation is very unsettling and amusing, pointing out that the Governance Advisory Council bill was enacted by Parliament on Friday, March 27, 2026.
By making sure that duty bearers are held accountable for their acts, the new organization aims to improve accountability, fight corruption, and defend human rights.
On the same day, nevertheless, the Majority in Parliament rejected a Minority motion to form an ad hoc committee to look into reported losses at GoldBod, including problems with the gold-for-reserves system, according to IERPP.
The Institute argues that there seems to be a conflict between these two measures, casting doubt on the government’s dedication to openness. IERPP queries why attempts to look into GoldBod are being thwarted if the Governance Advisory Council is intended to encourage accountability.
IERPP also argues that the government’s actions send a bad message about its dedication to combating corruption, implying that if important institutions are not scrutinised, the newly formed governing body may not be truly independent.
The Institute further cautions that the scenario could erode public confidence, claiming that if anti-corruption organisations are not let to function independently, funds allocated to them may become ineffective.
IERPP underlines that if the same government that is encouraging accountability shields organisations like GoldBod from scrutiny, the Governance Council runs the risk of losing its effectiveness.
The Mahama government has been asked a number of questions by the Institute, including:
- Why is GoldBod being protected from scrutiny?
- Why is the government blocking investigations into alleged $214 million losses in its trading activities?
- What specific infractions have prompted the government to resist calls for transparency?
The government may be leveraging its legislative majority to avoid oversight and accountability, according to IERPP, which characterises the developments as concerning.
The Institute comes to the conclusion that there is a gap between rhetoric and reality since the government’s actions seem to contradict its declared commitment to combating corruption.
Source: newsthemegh.com