Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has voiced profound frustration over Ghana's persistent accountability deficit. He stated it is painful to spend years investigating wrongdoing, often at great personal risk, only for many cases to end without anyone being held responsible. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the effectiveness of Ghana's justice system in prosecuting financial crimes and corruption.
Awuni shared his concerns on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme, questioning the sacrifices of investigative journalism when evidence of wrongdoing fails to lead to accountability. He noted the significant emotional toll involved in such work, which demands considerable time, effort, and personal risk. The journalist emphasized that despite clear documentary evidence, many of his investigations have produced little or no tangible action against perpetrators.
This issue fits into Ghana's ongoing struggle with corruption and public financial management, which frequently impacts the national budget and taxpayer confidence. The lack of accountability can deter foreign investment and undermine public trust in government institutions. Ghana's Auditor-General reports consistently highlight financial irregularities, yet prosecutions remain rare, contributing to a cycle of impunity.
Awuni specifically referenced his investigations into the controversial ambulance procurement deal. These inquiries raised serious questions about the acquisition of ambulances at a cost running into millions of euros. He recalled uncovering evidence of irregularities and concerns that some ambulances remained parked at the Air Force Base for years. The financial burden of such transactions ultimately falls on the Ghanaian taxpayer, highlighting the economic impact of unpunished wrongdoing.
He also commented on the recent Court of Appeal decision to acquit and discharge Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, former Chief Executive of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC). Tamakloe-Attionu had previously been convicted on about 78 criminal charges. Awuni stated he had carefully studied both the appellate court's judgment and the earlier High Court ruling, agreeing with some aspects of the Court of Appeal's reasoning.
Awuni noted the MASLOC case exposed critical lessons for investigators, prosecutors, and investigative journalists regarding evidence gathering and presentation. He found parts of the judgment difficult to reconcile with the prosecution's case, particularly on issues relating to procurement. He stressed this was a personal opinion, not a legal assessment, but indicated some aspects appeared to favour the defence.
The journalist believes the MASLOC case should serve as an opportunity for institutions involved in investigations and prosecutions to strengthen their work. This strengthening is crucial to ensure genuine cases of wrongdoing are effectively pursued. Accountability must not be lost due to avoidable weaknesses in the legal process, which can have significant economic repercussions for the nation.
Moving forward, the public and civil society will closely watch how the Attorney-General's office responds to such high-profile acquittals. The effectiveness of future anti-corruption efforts will depend on robust investigations and prosecutions that withstand judicial scrutiny. This will be vital for restoring public confidence and safeguarding national resources from financial mismanagement.