Former President Jerry John Rawlings has asked the government to “act quickly and decisively” on Friday’s ruling in UK where several Ghanaian politicians were named for receiving bribes from a British construction firm Mabey & Johnson in the 1980s and the 1990s.

Mr Rawlings who was the then Head of State and President of Ghana respectively issued a press statement on Saturday professing his confidence in the current administration’s ability to deal with the issue.

“Probity, accountability and service to the people are the basis upon which the National Democratic Congress was founded.

“I have espoused these tenets since 1982 and have consistently reminded the current NDC government of the need to urgently pursue and prosecute persons who have been and continue to remain unaccountable to the people.”

The former President noted that the whole world’s attention is focused on Ghana, “watching closely how the Mills administration handles these allegations.”

Mr Rawlings statement came a day after the President, John Evans Atta Mills, had instructed the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to investigate the matter hours after the landmark ruling on Friday.

“The quick response by President Mills in requesting further investigations into these allegations can only be applauded. However, hesitancy and inaction in the days to come will be seen as not serving the greater good,” he opined in his statement.

The former president concluded his statement by taking a swipe at the National Democratic Congress government’s inability to prosecute officials of the previous administration.

“Since coming to power in 2009 we have failed to pursue and prosecute the criminal activities of the past NPP government who in connivance with foreign partners have stolen millions of dollars and accepted huge bribes!

“Let us not destroy the reputation of the NDC by being indecisive on this scandal.

“Government must act immediately and decisively.”


Story by Isaac Essel
Myjoyonline.com/Ghana