37.1% of Ghanaians want Akufo-Addo to fight crime – Research

A research by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has revealed security is the number one concern of many Ghanaians.

About 37.1 percent of the 1,641 Ghanaians interviewed are concerned about what they say is the increasing impunity in the country.

They want President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to focus on fighting crime and improving the state of security in the country.

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The IEA’s research was to assess if the expectations of Ghanaians have been met by the policies and priorities of the new government.

Research fellow at IEA, Professor Ransford Gyampo said the research findings revealed Ghanaians are worried about the spate of attacks in the country.

Research fellow at IEA, Professor Ransford Gyampo

He cited Monday's killing of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama at Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central Region by some youth and the destruction of ECG offices at Somanya also by angry youth.

“If such a person could be murdered then we are all not safe in this country,” he said.

The ECG office in Somanya

Prof Gyampo said the people interviewed want the government and security agencies to ensure the culprits are arrested whenever crimes are committed.. "The right people should be arrested so that we don’t have nolle prosequis being filed," he said.

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Late Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama

In the area of corruption:

The research finding also revealed about 43 percent of the respondents want government to concentrate on investigating and prosecuting corruption public officials.

Also, about 35.4 percent have endorsed the President's decision to appoint an Independent Public Prosecutor to deal with matters of corruption in the country.

Prof Gyampo said the research revealed there is a growing awareness of Ghanaians in the area of corruption. He made reference to the 'Ye gye ye sika' demonstration organised by Adom FM's Morning Show host, Captain Smart which was attended by over 2,300 Ghanaians. The demonstration was held to put pressure on government to address cases of corruption.

"I am not surprised that this is topping even though government is upbeat about fighting corruption," he said. "The views of the people suggest that they prefer government appoint the Independent Public Prosecutor [immediately]."

 

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