Percival Kofi Akpalo, the presidential candidate for the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), has accused Ghanaians of supporting corrupt figures over integrity.
His fiery comments come after sections of the public lauded Hon. Ato Forson following his recent legal victory in the ambulance procurement scandal.
On July 30, 2024, the Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged Minority Leader Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, overturning a lower court’s order for him to present his defense. The court also acquitted businessman Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the case, emphasising the importance of upholding judicial integrity.
Earlier on June 6, the High Court in Accra dismissed Dr. Forson’s application for a mistrial and an inquiry into the conduct of Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame. Forson’s legal team argued that a leaked tape revealed the Attorney General coaching Jakpa to implicate Forson, undermining public confidence in the judicial process.
The Court of Appeal’s decision, delivered in a 2:1 majority, marked a significant moment in the case, highlighting the critical role of legal standards in the judicial system.
However, Akpalo was unimpressed by the public reaction.
In an interview on Hot Morning Drive with Kwabena Prah monitored by Puretvonline.com, he likened Ghanaians to the Biblical Pharisees who chose Barabbas over Jesus Christ. “Ghanaians support wrongdoers more than anyone,” he declared. “They talk a lot, and it’s sad; that’s why the country continues to go in the wrong direction.”
Akpalo also promised a complete overhaul of state institutions if elected as president, aiming to address what he perceives as deep-rooted corruption and inefficiency.
As Ghana approaches the 2024 general elections, Akpalo’s comments underscore the urgent need for a national dialogue on integrity in public service and systemic reforms to combat corruption.