Anti-corruption advocate, Vitus Azeem, has raised objections regarding President Akufo-Addo's decision to prolong the tenure of Auditor-General, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, by an additional two years.

The extension, announced in a notice from the Audit Service dated July 19, permits Mr. Asiedu to continue in his role past his original retirement date of August 1, 2024.

However, during an interview on JoyNews’ News Desk on Thursday, June 20, Mr. Azeem voiced concerns that this action undermines the perceived independence of the Auditor-General.

He contended that such an extension might raise suspicions that the Auditor-General could be inclined to favor the president and his appointees.

"People will go out with the perception that the current man is playing ball with the president and his appointees .. and that he is going to please the president and his appointees," he stressed.

Mr. Azeem also emphasized the contentious exit of former Auditor-General Dr. Daniel Yao Domelevo in 2020, which was associated with disagreements regarding his date of birth, as a comparison to highlight the controversial nature of such appointments.

He further criticised the extension as a strategy by President Akufo-Addo in "a way to protect his future immediately after leaving office so the Auditor–General will not come after him and his appointees."

He recognized that although the constitution allows for extensions for certain officials, the circumstances and ramifications of this particular extension raise doubts about the dedication to upholding an independent and efficient anti-corruption framework.