Stephen Adei wonders why Frimpong-Boateng is being singled out for exposure of corruption

Former Rector at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Stephen Adei has expressed dismay over the lack of commitment by the state to arrest and prosecute public officials alleged to be engaged in corrupt practices.

He bemoaned why the State is rather persecuting those who expose wrongdoing.

Prof. Frimpomg Boateng was arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to account for expenditure during his time as Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCM).

His arrest was barely a month after he published a report in which some public officials including staff at the presidency were said to be involved in illegal mining operations.

But, speaking at the 33rd annual general meeting of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIMG), the economist wondered why Prof. Frimpong Boateng was arrested by the Special Prosecutor for exposing the rot amongst high public officials while others accused are walking freely.

“One of the reasons why this country is not progressing is because of the lack of integrity of people. People are in authority, it is almost assumed not only by those who are in authority but people who are related to them to do wrong. So that parochially they will do better.

“I think that some things are going on now that men and women of integrity must speak out. For example one of the most respected people in this country who have made the greatest contribution. Unparalleled is Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng. He writes a report to the Head of State that some people are doing wrong and he is arrested. And those alleged criminals have not yet been called to be questioned,” Professor Adei asked.

He continued: “I believe that we are faced with issues of integrity and political expediency. As people and as an institute in our capacities this is the time that our voices must be heard. Because our country will not go far without integrity.”