Security Expert Andrews Asiedu Tetteh Alleges Widespread Corruption, Calls for Governance Reforms and Questions Delay in Defence Minister Appointment

Security expert Andrews Asiedu Tetteh has called for major governance reforms in Ghana, alleging that corruption has become deeply rooted in the country’s political system while questioning the government’s delay in appointing a substantive Minister for Defence. Speaking in an interview with host Nhyiraba Kwabena Asirifi on the Ghana Nti Morning Show on ICADTV, Mr. Tetteh described corruption as Ghana’s biggest national challenge, claiming that it affects every level of governance. He alleged that President John Dramani Mahama, Members of Parliament and politicians across the political divide are part of a system plagued by corruption. According to him, many politicians allegedly engage in vote-buying during party primaries and elections, making it difficult for them to effectively fight corruption once they assume office. Mr. Tetteh challenged Members of Parliament to publicly state that they had never offered money or other inducements to delegates or voters to secure political office. He further claimed that corruption contributes to Ghana’s poor road infrastructure, alleging that some contractors and politicians divert portions of funds meant for road construction, resulting in roads that deteriorate long before their expected lifespan and contribute to road crashes. The security expert also alleged that corruption extends beyond politics, claiming that some medical practitioners receive inducements from pharmaceutical companies to recommend particular medicines to patients. Calling for stronger anti-corruption measures, Mr. Tetteh urged authorities to impose strict sanctions on delegates and political actors found guilty of vote-buying or other electoral offences. He also argued that institutions such as the judiciary, the Attorney General’s Department and the Ghana Police Service should operate free from political interference. According to him, the Inspector-General of Police should be appointed through an independent process within the Ghana Police Service rather than by the President. He also alleged that political affiliations within the security services undermine professionalism, citing the legal proceedings involving former MASLOC Chief Executive Officer Sedina Tamakloe Attionu as an example of what he believes to be political influence over state institutions.