The Vice President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Justice Yankson, has called for corruption investigations to be institutionalized and shielded from political interference, emphasizing that such processes must be firmly grounded in the rule of law.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Dr. Yankson addressed the ongoing scandal at the National Service Scheme (NSS), where the Attorney General uncovered a GH¢548 million payroll fraud involving 81,885 ghost names.
He stressed that anti-corruption efforts should become standard components of governance rather than ad hoc or politically driven actions.
“If we really want to fight corruption and related activities, these processes must become routine and deeply embedded within our governance structures,” Dr. Yankson said.
He noted that everyone entrusted with public resources—whether political appointees, technocrats, bureaucrats, or private actors—must be prepared to account for their stewardship.
Dr. Yankson further proposed legal reforms to mandate regular audits and independent investigations, arguing that accountability should be automatic and not subject to selective enforcement.
He cautioned against politicising high-profile investigations, urging the judiciary to operate free of external influence.
“We should not entangle these efforts with the usual political maneuverings. Let the courts do their work independently. Let judges, lawyers, and everyone involved perform their duties as they were taught to do,” he stated.
Dr. Yankson also reminded the Attorney General of his core responsibility—to ensure fairness and justice, not merely to secure convictions.
“The Attorney General’s role is to uphold fairness and justice. His duty is not necessarily to send people to jail, but to ensure that justice is served. If a judge rules that someone should go to jail, then justice has taken its course.”
His remarks come in the wake of shocking revelations of a multi-year payroll fraud scheme at the NSS, sparking widespread public outrage and renewed concerns about systemic corruption and the politicisation of investigations.
Credit: myjoyonline.com
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