Zero tolerance for corruption under fire

Global anti-corruption campaigners, Transparency International (TI) have again challenged the ‘zero tolerance’ mantra of the Kufuor administration.

In its 2007 Corruption Perception Index Survey which measures how citizens and nations perceive corruption and graft in their countries, Ghana ranked 69th in the world and 5th in Africa as the most corrupt country.

The survey scores countries between zero and ten points. Any country therefore that falls below point five is deemed to have failed. Ghana scored 3.7 points the second highest the country has ever scored since it was first included in the survey in 1999. Last year 2006 the country scored 3.3.

Even though, this year’s figure of 3.7 is higher than last year’s, it is no indication that the country is doing any better in the fight against corruption.

Speaking to the Accra-based radio station - JOYFM - Vitus Azeem, the Executive Secretary of Ghana Integrity Initiative the local office of TI, said the country is not doing well at all in its fight against corruption, and there is the need to do more to curb the problem.

He argues that, there is evidence that monies meant for the construction of roads and schools are being diverted into private pockets.

On how to check corruption in Ghana, Mr. Azeem said, while the government has done well in enacting the laws, they need the political will to enforce the laws. He also advocates for public education to let Ghanaians know that corruption is a canker that must be removed.

He accused the President J. A. Kufuor of behaving like an ostrich in his fight against corruption by demanding for evidence in cases where some people have been accused of corruption.

But in a reaction, Deputy Information Minister, Mr. Frank Agyekum has said that by the TI’s own standards the country is doing well because this year’s score is better than last year’s. He however admits that there is corruption in the country, but challenges people who accuse others of corruption to provide evidence to that effect.

He also reacted to the accusation made by Mr. Azeem that the president was behaving like an ostrich in demanding for evidence in cases of reported corruption.

Mr. Agyekum says allegations of corruption are only perceptions.

When asked about what would be done about the case involving Mr. George Isaac Amoo, former coordinator of NADMO, he said Amoo’s reassignment does not mean nothing is being done about the case.

He moreover, asked TI to provide evidence of corruption, asserting that the report is based on perceptions.

He also added that government is working hard to enact laws that will make it very difficult for people to indulge in corruption, but said this cannot be achieved in one day.