Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has warned that corruption deprives poor and vulnerable Ghanaians of resources that could improve their lives.

According to him, corruption goes beyond misappropriating public funds, as it directly affects the welfare of people who depend on public resources and services.

Dr Bawumia made the remarks after taking the Pledge Against Corruption, a civil society-led campaign aimed at encouraging Ghanaians to commit themselves to integrity and the fight against corruption.

In a statement posted on the Pledge Against Corruption page on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Dr Bawumia said corruption takes away resources that could otherwise be invested in improving the lives of disadvantaged people.

“Corruption is an act that steals resources that could have otherwise been used to improve the well-being of the poor, the vulnerable, and the excluded in our society,” he said.

He also urged Ghanaians to place greater value on integrity and their deeds rather than the wealth and possessions they accumulate during their lifetime.

“Let's be reminded that you cannot leave the world with riches, assets, or wealth. When you leave this world, you only leave with your deeds and your integrity,” Dr Bawumia added.

The former Vice President is among several prominent Ghanaian leaders and heads of institutions who have taken the Pledge Against Corruption as part of efforts to promote accountability and ethical conduct.

The campaign stresses that corruption has consequences beyond financial losses, arguing that it undermines society and negatively affects citizens who rely on public resources.

The Pledge Against Corruption is led by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and Transparency International Ghana (TI-Ghana), with funding support from UK International Development.

NA/BAI