by Emmanuel Sowah
In a strongly worded public statement, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Convenor of the FixTheCountry Movement, has called for greater circumspection and adherence to principles of public service ethics among state appointees, especially in matters relating to ongoing criminal investigations.
Drawing from recent developments involving state investigative bodies and public commentary from officials, Barker-Vormawor asserted, “I think it is in the interest of all appointees to avoid interferences or appearance of interference with ongoing criminal investigations. That should be in the new Code, if it isn’t already!”
He further cautioned that determinations on financial implications of investigations should not be made by individuals outside supervisory roles. “With all due respect to prof. Ransford Gyampo, only the Attorney-General should have to make that call whether ongoing investigations may cause financial loss to the State. Particularly when you are not in a supervising position of that investigative agency and must be presumed not to have any or sufficient knowledge of what information the agency possesses,” he stated.
While acknowledging the right of public officials to express views, Barker-Vormawor urged restraint: “I believe all appointees are entitled to public commentary of course. But be circumspect. And when it involves caution, caution in public only, if you even feel the need to.”
On allegations of interference in investigative processes, he was blunt: “But if you are not SML’s legal advisor, do not call the Agency or its head. You may do that if you are not in public office, and even then you must offer information with an aim to clarify. Lest ye be accused of obstruction. Your reputation is at stake, guard it carefully.”
He also questioned the urgency and nature of certain communications during active legal procedures: “As at this morning, we are still none the wiser as to what information was so urgent that the OSP needed to hear it in the middle of executing a lawfull search warrant. Whatever information Ransford has that will cause us financial loss, I now believe we all need to hear it! So we judge fairly his motivations.”
While he acknowledged the tone of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) might have been provocative, he maintained accountability is key: “Now, I agree that the OSP’s statement was a little salacious. But you did not need to put yourself in that situation. Public office is a slippery slope.”
He concluded with a message of calm: “Salam and Peace be unto you all!”
This statement adds to growing public scrutiny of the conduct of officials and institutions, as Ghanaians demand greater transparency and ethical clarity in governance.
