Fight against corruption is for all

The worrying issue of government appointees using their office for illegitimate private benefit has gained currency in recent times.
The media have been full of stories on bribery, extortion, patronage and outright embezzlement.

The recent report on the work of the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA) and the revelation that more than 280 private and public companies have been involved in alleged evasion of taxes amounting to $367 million over a seven-year period are clear indications that corruption, contrary to the general perception, is not limited to only people in political authority.

Thievery and corruption appear to have become normal practices in every sector of the Ghanaian society — from people in government to schools, hospitals, the security services and even at the marketplace.

Corruption deprives the nation of the resources that could otherwise be used for the general benefit of the larger population and has the tendency to discourage businesses, both local and foreign.

It is, therefore, imperative that every step is taken to ensure that this canker is uprooted.

We take consolation in the affirmation by the President of his determination to uproot corruption in an effort to boost socio-economic development in the country.

In a speech read on his behalf at the centenary celebration of the Catholic Church in New Juaben, President Mahama said he would make corruption “an unenviable option” for everyone working in his government and every citizen.

It is our fervent hope that the President will live up to his word and take all the necessary steps to rid the country of the corruption tag that can have a very negative effect on Ghana’s leadership position on the continent.

The fight against corruption is not one that should be left to politicians alone. It is a fact that the nature of our society has contributed in no small way to the current state of affairs. We live in a society where political leadership is seen as an opportunity to amass wealth. With such a mindset, it will be difficult to stop corruption without a collective effort.

While the government is taking steps to check unacceptable practices, the Daily Graphic is of the opinion that the fight against corruption can be won if we shed ourselves of vices such as heads of schools charging unapproved fees and hospital officials demanding money before attending to patients, even in emergency situations.

We must all join the crusade to stem corruption.

Daily Graphic/Ghana