Corrupting the Incorruptible: Is it Mother Ghana or Attitudinal Dishonesty?

“Corruption frustrates efforts to alleviate poverty and generates apathy and cynicisms”- Mr. Emile Short, Commissioner of CHRAJ.

The issue of corruption would continue to be the sword of Damocles hanging on the neck of the country if pragmatic measures are not put in place to change the status quo. It goes without saying that the economy of Ghana has seen no significant improvement because of endemic corruption that serves to drain the nation’s already limited resources.

Corruption which is not a new phenomenon has caused severe damage to the progress of the country. It is the major cause of the disparities that exist between the rich and the poor by distorting national resources against the interest of the majority poor.

The Mabey and Johnson scandal, Vodafone Scandal and the operations of MMDAs, where there are alleged acts of corruption have made the fight against corruption more urgent than ever. Again, the present position and status of the country in the recent 2009 Corruption Perception Index has triggered the consideration of multi-pronged approach towards providing lasting solutions to the deadly threats of corruption. Scoring 3.9 on the index (69th out of 180 countries) is simply uncharacteristic of a country whose democratic credentials have been touted in the world. Indeed, the fight against corruption in previous years has been a complete loss. Arguably, former President Kufuor’s zero tolerance for corruption was a fiasco and President Mills’ determination to conquer this canker has been tested with the M&J Scandal and massive embezzlements at the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies. The burning question is that “Is Mother Ghana to blame for high-profile corruption?” Is corruption the true manifestation of the innate poor attitudes and selfish behaviours of public officials, politicians and citizens or the conditions present in the country have account for this predicament? From the perspective of Mother Ghana, there have been identifiable situations that contribute enormously to the upsurge of corruption. The absence of Freedom of Information Law (though the bill has been approved by cabinet), unavailable or lack of strong institutions to ensure probity and accountability and unenforceable laws have accounted for the failure of the country to purge its economy from this canker. The secrecy within which work is done and non-adherence to the Assets Declaration Law by public officials have served to encourage the increase in corruption at both the local and national level. Officials in government assume office without prior declaration of their assets. However, Ghana needs not to blame considering the atmosphere it provides for almost every Ghanaian to be nurtured on anti-corruption principles. Mother Ghana lays certain principles for every Ghanaian to have at least the spirit of patriotism. Arguably, every Ghanaian is taught and made to recite the “National Pledge”- “I promise on my honour to be faithful and loyal to Ghana my Motherland” The burning question remains ‘where is this ‘loyalty’ of our leaders, politicians and public officials?’ Is it that the message embodied in the ‘National Pledge’ is vain?

The increasing rate of corruption in the country, without shred of any doubt, underscores the disheartening attitude of ordinary Ghanaians. The chance of holding public office has served as the platform to enrich oneself and families to the detriment of the welfare of the poor. The Ghanaian is so selfish that national resources meant for all are diverted to building mansions and purchasing sleek cars instead of building schools, hospitals and providing water supply that would improve livelihoods of the poor. It is striking to know that the upwelling concerns of aid ineffectiveness in Africa and Ghana in particular is as a result of deadly endemic corruption. We always beg for aid from bilateral and multilateral donors only to be cheaply misappropriated by selfish people.

It can, therefore, be said that Mother Ghana is not largely responsible for the rise in corruption but rather the poor, selfish attitude and wicked mindsets of our leaders, politicians, public officials and all Ghanaians including the ordinary ‘trotro’ mate who charges fares which are double the actual amount during the evenings especially in the Accra and Kumasi. Mother Ghana has done her possible part as regard curtailing the ravaging effects of corruption. It is very worrying to say that Ghana has a long way to go if we do not change our attitude. You need to revise your thinking if you are hoping Ghana would be like the ‘Asian Tigers’ in the near future. NEVER! It’s not an exaggeration to state that these selfish behaviours and dirty attitudes were just not favoured in those Asian countries before significant development was realised. I completely agree with Mr. Emile Short for the drawing up of a feasible National Anti-Corruption Action Plan that would provide all-encompassing strategies to tackle corruption. Or else, we will continue to defer the target year for becoming a middle income country which was ideally in 2015 but now 2020- as stated in the Budget Statement and Economic Policy for the 2010 Fiscal Year. Laws should be made to strictly deal with culprits caught in the net of corruption. Our laws are too lenient to combat this canker; the laws should to be made more enforceable. Apportioning blames shouldn’t be the issue now but how to, with all determination extirpate this deadly act.

In all, it is imperative to say that the best remedy rests on the fact that Ghanaians need attitudinal therapy. We all need to change our poor attitude that brings nothing beneficial but extreme poverty and hunger. As a country we ought to opt for transparency and openness for works done both in the public and private sector especially in the MDAs and the MMDAs. So, who are the incorruptible to drive the nation forward?

I am anticipating a future state in Ghana where leaders, politicians, public officials and every Ghanaian would think more of the interest of the poor and the economy at large while relegating selfish and wicked interests to the background. Let us exterminate all traces of corruption which is still a national canker. Corruption is disruption of set progress of the economy. Say no to corruption and help save Mother Ghana!

The author, Stephen Yeboah is at the Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana. (email: stephenyeboah110@yahoo.com)