Kwame Pianim: I did not say Mills is incorruptible

Mr. Kwame Pianim

Mr. Kwame Pianim, the renowned economist and politician caught in the middle of a political storm over his comments that President J.E.A. Mills is not corrupt, is amazed his claim has now been extended to mean the president is “incorruptible”.

He told Ekuorba Gyasi, host of Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem programme on Wednesday that some journalists in country are unwilling to listen and learn, wondering which school taught them that the phrase “Not Corrupt” could be equated to “Incorruptible”.

“…Some of you are just not willing to listen and learn. Not corrupt, not corrupt, eh, does not translate into incorruptible, εhefa na mokoo sukuu?” the embattled Pianim questioned.

He reiterated his comments early on that he had in times past defended the New Patriotic Party's presidential candidate for election 2008, Nana Akufo-Addo, also of not being corrupt and invited anyone who also wants to witness for any other person, including former presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Jerry Rawlings to proceed to do so.

Ever since he passed the comment that Ghana was fortunate to have a president in Prof. Mills who would not steal from the people because he was no thief, backing that claim with another that he had seen the president return at least two 'envelopes', Mr. Pianim has been the object of bitter discussions, sometimes between some members of government the opposition New Patriotic Party, with many calling for further clarification from him.

The NPP has even threatened to initiate impeachment procedures against President Mills, for failing to cause the arrest and prosecution of the alleged envelope givers, if Mr. Pianim's claim is true.

Story by Isaac Yeboah