We shall intensify the corruption fight with no sacred cows — Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has pledged a tougher, uncompromising fight against corruption, vowing that no individual will be shielded under his administration.

He said all public funds misappropriated will be retrieved and redirected into development projects that benefit citizens as part of plans to deepen accountability in 2026.

The President’s comments come amid long-standing public concerns about corruption, perceived selective justice and the failure to recover stolen state funds under previous administrations.

The country is estimated to lose about US$3 billion annually through corruption and financial misappropriation, even as many communities struggle with poor roads, lack of potable water and inadequate social amenities.

Civil society groups and opposition figures have repeatedly argued that anti-corruption efforts in Ghana often spare politically connected individuals.

Others have also questioned the effectiveness of existing accountability institutions and initiatives, particularly the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL), calling for stronger political will to deal decisively with graft at all levels of government.

In his New Year’s Day address on Thursday, January 1, 2026, President Mahama said the renewed anti-corruption drive forms a core part of his reset agenda.

“We shall intensify the fight against corruption with no sacred cows. Every cedi belongs to the people of Ghana and must be accounted for,” he stated.

The President said the anti-corruption push will be backed by stronger accountability systems, constitutional reforms and cooperation with watchdog institutions as Ghana enters the second year of his administration.