Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has praised President John Dramani Mahama for taking decisive action on corruption-related revelations, describing it as an important source of motivation for journalists working to promote accountability.
Reflecting on recent developments, Manasseh said several controversial contracts exposed by his investigations were cancelled under the current administration — a sign, he believes, of effective collaboration between investigative journalism and political will.
“In June this year, President Mahama announced the cancellation of the 19-year-old fraudulent contract between the Youth Employment Agency and Zoomlion Ghana Limited,” Manasseh recalled. “I had fought that unconscionable deal for 12 years. The contract was worth GHS 456 million a year.”
He also cited an investigation in July 2025 that uncovered a questionable revenue assurance contract at the Ghana Airport Company, signed just three days before the 2024 elections.
“The contract, awarded to a mining firm owned by the CEO of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), was terminated following the investigation. Thankfully, no funds were paid, even though the company had only one employee and relied on SML staff to carry out the project.”
Manasseh added that in October 2025, President Mahama instructed the Finance Minister to terminate a $500 million SML contract with the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority.
He emphasized that government responsiveness is one of the greatest incentives for investigative journalists:
“Apart from the conducive environment President Mahama has provided for journalists, nothing motivates us more than seeing action taken based on our work. When you reject bribes and risk your life, you expect duty bearers to do theirs.”
Manasseh drew parallels with Mahama’s earlier actions during the GYEEDA scandal more than a decade ago, when two people were jailed, over ten contracts were cancelled, and reforms saved Ghana over $100 million.
Expressing appreciation, Manasseh said he would continue to hold leaders accountable but acknowledged the significance of Mahama’s interventions:
“Mr. President, I will probably demand more and criticise you in the future, but if I ever write the story of my journalism and anti-corruption crusade, you will have a proud place in its pages. Thank you, sir.”
Source: MyNewsGh.com
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