Jail corrupt NDC officials to prove you're not corrupt - Sir John to Mahama

A former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party has challenged President John Dramani Mahama to prosecute corrupt officials in his administration as proof he is committed to the fight against corruption.

Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie's comments come after President John Mahama stated he has never taken a bribe on BBC.

The President is in London for an anti-corruption conference that attracted global attention days before it began. Mr. Mahama was asked by Peter Okwoche of BBC on Focus on Africa, "Have you been offered a bribe before?"

"You mean as a president?" the President asked for clarification. "As John...Mahama," the Journalist replied.
Apparently still unclear, the President asked, "As a human being?" As a person, Peter supplied.

The President explained that, "any human being in the world would have encountered corruption one way or the other, either being offered a bribe or a bribe being demanded from you.”

Peter Okwoche interrupted him, "Mr President, did you take it"? President Mahama said, "No, I haven't taken a bribe."

Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie in his response to the President's assertion on Adom Fm's 'Dwaso Nsem' , Friday, said the facial expression of the President while answering the question showed he was not being truthful.

Citing SADA, GYEEDA, Waterville, STX Housing deal, Smarttys and other corruption scandals under the NDC's eight years in office, Mr. Owusu Afriyie also known as Sir John said the President's claim should be doubted.

He alleged the president's failure in prosecuting ministers and officials in his administration who were involved in the famous corruption scandals suggests that he benefitted from the deals.

Mr. Owusu-Afriyie, who is also a private legal practitioner claimed he was aware of various deals that have been covered up by the Mahama administration.

When asked if he has taken bribe before, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, asked the host, Which bribe? Is your money missing? Am I a government worker? Do Ghanaians bring me their taxes? Don't trivialize this issue, I don't keep public funds.

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