By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong warning to members of his cabinet that any involvement in a scandal will attract swift and severe consequences, with no protection from the presidency or the governing party.
The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, confirmed the directive during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, describing the president’s message to ministers as clear and uncompromising.
“I can confirm that 100 per cent, 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 said.
He explained that the warning forms part of President Mahama’s broader agenda to restore discipline, accountability and integrity in public office, amid growing public concern about corruption and governance.
According to Mr. Kwetey, the president has made it explicitly clear that any minister who brings scandal into government will not be shielded by either the presidency or the party.
“If you are a member of government, and the leader of the government tells you plainly that wrongdoing will not be tolerated, and you also see the leaders of the party backing him, then you know that at all levels there is alignment. You therefore have no choice but to do what is right,” he stated.
Mr. Kwetey argued that this firm posture explains the relative absence of major scandals in government so far.
“That’s why you can go through a whole year and hardly talk about scandals, because everyone knows that if you do that, you are on your own. The party is not shielding you, and the presidency is not shielding you,” he added.
Asked whether ministers would be dismissed if implicated in wrongdoing, Mr. Kwetey was emphatic.
“Absolutely, and you will be dealt with,” he said.
He clarified that being “dealt with” means facing due process without political interference, including prosecution where necessary.
“If what you do is wrong, you have to face 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 stressed.
Mr. Kwetey said the stance reflects a deliberate effort by the NDC to break with a culture where political parties protect their own at the expense of the national interest.
“A situation where the NDC comes to power and then shields or covers people who are doing wrong must be a thing of the past. The country’s interest must always come first,” he said.
He added that cabinet ministers clearly understand that the president is serious about enforcing discipline and accountability.
“I think they clearly know that the president means every bit of what he said,” Mr. Kwetey noted.
According to him, President Mahama has even reinforced the warning with humour, while leaving no room for doubt.
“The president tells them jokingly that once you hit trouble, don’t even bother calling, because your call will not be picked up. What is to be done will be done,” he said.
