The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as a contradiction in the Mahama government’s anti-corruption posture, questioning why the administration would establish an anti-corruption body while allegedly shielding GoldBod from accountability.
According to the Institute, it finds the situation both disturbing and ironic, noting that Parliament, on Friday, March 27, 2026, passed the Governance Advisory Council bill.
The new body is intended to strengthen accountability, combat corruption, and protect human rights by ensuring that duty bearers are held responsible for their actions.
However, IERPP points to a contrasting development on the same day, when the Majority in Parliament rejected a Minority motion seeking to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate alleged losses at GoldBod, including issues related to the gold-for-reserves scheme.
The Institute argues that these two actions appear to conflict, raising questions about the government’s commitment to transparency. If the Governance Advisory Council is designed to promote accountability, IERPP asks why efforts to investigate GoldBod are being resisted.
IERPP further contends that the government’s actions send a negative signal regarding its commitment to fighting corruption, suggesting that the newly established governance body may lack real independence if key institutions remain beyond scrutiny.
The Institute also warns that the situation could undermine public trust, stating that resources invested in anti-corruption institutions may be rendered ineffective if such bodies are not allowed to operate independently.
IERPP emphasises that the Governance Council risks becoming ineffective if institutions like GoldBod are shielded from investigation by the same government that is promoting accountability.
The Institute has posed several questions to the Mahama government, including:
- Why is GoldBod being protected from scrutiny?
- Why is the government blocking investigations into alleged $214 million losses in its trading activities?
- What specific infractions have prompted the government to resist calls for transparency?
IERPP describes the developments as worrying, expressing concern that the government may be using its parliamentary majority to prevent oversight and accountability.
The Institute concludes that the government’s actions appear inconsistent with its stated commitment to fighting corruption, suggesting a disconnect between rhetoric and reality.
