President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against corruption, declaring it a defining priority and central pillar of accountable governance.
Delivering the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament in Accra, the President said progress has been made through strengthened collaboration among law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence institutions and prosecutors, leading to criminal prosecutions and asset recovery actions against individuals and entities implicated in financial crimes.
He said as of December 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) had recovered more than GH¢600 million, investigated 462 cases, and secured 15 ongoing prosecutions. The office also dismantled transnational carjacking syndicates and retrieved 29 stolen luxury vehicles.
Despite these gains, President Mahama acknowledged public impatience for swifter accountability and pledged to “press harder on the accelerator.” He stressed, however, that Ghana’s constitutional democracy requires due process, not extrajudicial measures.
“Mr Speaker, I understand that a large majority of Ghanaians are impatient to see those who abuse their public trust in office held to account”
“Mr Speaker, there were periods when under military regimes and unconstitutional governments, extra judicial means could be used to exact retribution against persons perceived as corrupt or who had abused the mandate given to them by the people. Mr. Speaker, this may have appeared as swift justice, but many regrettable excesses were recorded,” he said.
Referencing the adoption of the 1992 Constitution, he underscored his oath to uphold the rule of law, noting that thorough investigations, proper documentation, fair trials and opportunities for appeal are necessary safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure only the guilty are punished.
Also, quoting the late John Atta Mills, he reminded the House that “the wheels of justice grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine.”
The President further announced that the Public Office Code of Conduct Bill has been laid before Parliament to codify ethical standards for public officials and make violations punishable.
He commended the Chief Justice for establishing additional specialised High Courts to address breaches identified in Auditor-General’s reports.
On constitutional reforms, he said the Constitution Review Committee has submitted its report following broad consultations with experts, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, political parties and the public.
The Attorney-General’s Office is now working to convert the recommendations into concrete legal and constitutional amendment proposals for parliamentary consideration.
President Mahama reiterated that corruption will not be tolerated regardless of status or political affiliation, vowing continued prosecution and non-conviction-based asset recovery to reclaim stolen public funds for national development.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh