Ace investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has revealed that he held a private meeting with President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House, where the two discussed issues of governance, accountability, and ongoing reforms in the sanitation sector.

In a statement shared on his Facebook all after the meeting, Manasseh said the President commended him for his continued commitment to accountability journalism, acknowledging the challenges involved in holding power to account.

“I had the honour of meeting President John Dramani Mahama. We spoke about governance and accountability, and he encouraged me to keep up with my accountability journalism, which he described as a very difficult job,” Manasseh stated.

He also expressed gratitude to the President for the bold decision to terminate the long-standing and controversial 19-year sanitation contract between Zoomlion Ghana Limited and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), a move widely regarded as a major step in curbing wasteful public expenditure.

Manasseh used the occasion to seek updates on the promised reforms in sanitation management.

In response, President Mahama disclosed that a team is currently developing a comprehensive framework to devolve sanitation management to the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

The President further revealed that his government has taken steps to ensure that the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) is disbursed directly to the Assemblies.

He noted that under the previous arrangement, only 43% of the fund reached the Assemblies, with the rest being used for questionable procurements in Accra—many of which, he added, benefited Zoomlion and its subsidiaries.

While acknowledging the challenges of transforming entrenched mindsets, even among some of his own appointees, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to "resetting Ghana" and strengthening democratic institutions.

Manasseh concluded by extending his best wishes to the President, stating, “I pray he succeeds. For if he succeeds, Ghana prospers.”