President Akufo-Addo has once again refuted the tag 'clearing agent' in the country's fight against corruption and corruption-related activities.

In recent times, government officials such as former Sanitation Minister, Madam Cecilia Dapaah, have been involved in corruption and corruption-related activities for which they are being investigated.

Pending the determination of the case, President Akufo-Addo expressed his confidence in the integrity of Madam Dapaah. This prompted condemnation by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and some members of the public.

Reacting to this concern at the 2023/2024 annual general conference of the Ghana Bar Association on the theme: "Ensuring High Standard and Integrity in Public Life: The Role of Legal Profession," the president noted that it is unwise to pass judgement on his subjects before investigations are concluded.

“There are some who refuse to accept my method of proceeding and characterise me as a clearing agent. Because for them, the mere allegation without more is enough to merit the condemnation of the public officer,” he said.

According to the president, he will continue to chart this course despite being labelled a “clearing agent” by some critics.

“For my part, I will not set aside due process in the fight against corruption. No matter how much opprobrium this incurs for me,” he added.

For the president, he has done no ill, as none of the state’s accountability institutions, including the new Office of Special Prosecutor, have reported any interference from the executive branch regarding their investigations.

This is not the first time the president has been tagged as a "clearing agent". In 2021, the President came out to the public to indicate that he had no power to absolve any individual accused of corruption, as that was not part of his mandate.