Dr Kpikpi calls for transparency over recovered funds after Mahama’s first year

As Ghana marks one year since President John Dramani Mahama returned to office, scrutiny of his administration’s economic management and anti-corruption drive has intensified, with calls for greater transparency over recovered public funds and the handling of alleged financial losses linked to state interventions.

Apostle Dr John Kpikpi, Senior Pastor of City of God Church and the 2024 presidential candidate of the Progressive Alliance of Ghana, has described the government’s performance as mixed, praising steps taken to stabilise the economy while questioning the depth and openness of its accountability measures.

Speaking to the media at a 31st Night Watch Service, Dr Kpikpi acknowledged that the administration has made progress in restoring macroeconomic stability, particularly in the management of the exchange rate and inflation.

“One year of John Mahama in office, I would say, is mixed. They have taken some bold steps, particularly in stabilising the exchange rate against the dollar, and that has helped to reduce inflation. From that point of view, they seem to have gained some control over the economy.”

Despite these gains, he raised concerns about the government’s approach to corruption cases involving officials of the previous administration, arguing that limited public disclosure weakens confidence in the fight against corruption.

“We are told that hundreds of millions of cedis or dollars have been recovered, but Ghanaians are not told who stole the money, how much was actually recovered, or where that money will be used. You cannot just steal public funds, return some of it, and be allowed to go free. There must be consequences, and the law must take its full course.”

Dr Kpikpi said transparency was essential to sustaining public trust, stressing that citizens deserve clarity on whether all stolen funds have been retrieved, what sanctions have been applied, and how recovered resources will be deployed to improve living conditions.

He also weighed in on concerns surrounding alleged losses in operations linked to the Ghana Gold Board, as referenced by the International Monetary Fund. While maintaining that the policy concept was sound, he warned that weak controls could undermine its intended benefits.