How Akufo-Addo could have wiped out entire NDC leadership over double salary scandal

Former Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar has taken on the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the party of treating former New Patriotic Party (NPP) appointees unfairly in corruption-related cases.

Speaking on Movement TV on December 6, 2025, she argued that bail conditions for former NPP officials facing corruption charges have become extremely high, suggesting the system is being used to punish them rather than serve justice.

According to her, she has “lost hope” in Ghana because the legal system has become too politicised, especially when dealing with cases involving politicians.

Abubakar also recalled that during the NPP administration, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo could have sanctioned the entire NDC parliamentary leadership over the alleged double salary scandal but chose restraint.

“When we were in government, there was the double salary scandal. They had more than fifteen MPs implicated and other issues. If we had taken action, by now almost the entire front bench of the Majority would have been in Nsawam. But the President didn’t want that. How do you wipe out the leadership of a whole political party in the name of double salary?” she said.

She added that despite that restraint, today bail conditions for political appointees can be as high as GH₵800,000, which she believes shows political targeting rather than fairness.

“I have lost hope in Ghana because it is glaring that what is happening is politically motivated. I have heard the national chairman of the NDC listing all the top political appointments they will sack from the Chief Justice to the Electoral Commission,” she claimed.

The double salary issue first emerged when reports indicated that about 48 MPs who served as ministers under former President John Dramani Mahama had allegedly received double salaries.

The CID later began investigations. Initial reports said about 25 MPs were invited for questioning, but further documents showed that close to 48 former NDC appointees were involved, with some reportedly admitting to receiving double payments.

The alleged offence falls under Section 124 (1) of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which deals with stealing.

Records showed that several ministers took double salaries between 2012 and 2016. Some received double payments throughout their tenure, while others did so for shorter periods due to reshuffles.

The CID later clarified that the investigations were still ongoing, dismissing claims by then opposition MPs who accused the CID of publicly embarrassing them.

The case also created internal tension within the NDC. In April 2018, then Second Deputy Speaker Alban Bagbin tweeted his frustration, hinting that some party members had leaked names to the CID.

“If anybody thinks that leaking our names to the police CID thwarts our chances and advances their selfish claim to leadership in our party, then think again. Because when we go down, we go down together,” he tweeted…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>