Mahama now holds the 'Chief clearing agent' title – Manasseh

Investigative journalist Manasseh Awuni Azure has accused President John Dramani Mahama of shielding former government officials facing corruption trials in court.

According to him, Mahama’s mass discontinuation of court cases proves that he is more interested in protecting political allies than ensuring justice.

“I nicknamed Akufo-Addo the Chief Clearing Agent, and Mahama seems to relish that title,” Azure remarked.

He warned that Mahama’s current actions are repeating that same pattern, which undermines accountability.

Azure pointed to past instances where officials who were cleared by political authorities later confessed to wrongdoing.

“Let us not forget that the persons Akufo-Addo cleared and publicly defended were not all clean. Pius Hadzide, for instance, who was cleared of his involvement in the Australia visa scandal, publicly confessed his role when he was campaigning to be the MP for Asuogyaman in the just-ended election,” he stated.

He cautioned that such political interference in the judicial process could have long-term negative effects on Ghana’s governance.

“Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) cannot succeed when its implementers are engaged in Operation Clear All Looters (OCAL),” Azure stated.

He urged Mahama to reconsider his approach, stating that a government serious about fighting corruption should not be clearing individuals accused of financial mismanagement.