IMANI Africa’s President, Franklin Cudjoe, has expressed a stronger belief in John Mahama's commitment to combating corruption than in President Akufo-Addo's.

Mr Cudjoe argues that while both leaders have faced scrutiny over their efforts to tackle corruption, Mahama's recent pledges inspire more confidence.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Accra on Monday, August 12, Mahama promised to hold all public officials accountable if he is re-elected as president, emphasizing that his approach to corruption would be more comprehensive than his predecessor's. He vowed not to limit the fight to political adversaries but to address it within his own administration.

Despite the criticisms Mahama faced during his previous term, Franklin Cudjoe believes that Mahama has an advantage over President Akufo-Addo when it comes to fighting corruption.

Citing various instances where Akufo-Addo has backtracked on his promises, Cudjoe highlighted the president's inconsistent stance on issues like illegal mining, commonly known as "galamsey," and his controversial handling of the recent economic crisis.

"I can understand the caution, but [President] Akufo-Addo is not John Mahama. At least we tested both. As I understand, [President] Akufo-Addo has walked back on some of his words many, many times. No haircut, he gave us a dubious haircut," Cudjoe remarked in an interview with Citi News.

He added, "Galamsey [Illegal mining], he said he would put his presidency on the line and nothing has happened because the rivers are worse off now than ever before. I should be cautious, but I think I will trust John Dramani Mahama a bit more than [President] Akufo-Addo because unfortunately, [President] Akufo-Addo has proven not to be trustworthy on these things."

In contrast, Mahama's recent pledges suggest a renewed determination to tackle the issue head-on if given the chance.