Two ugly cankers
Whenever this ugly twins, "bribery and corruption" is mentioned, government institutions become the target of suspicion.
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Most government activists worry and disagree with the prevalence of the issue; some even go to the extent of denying it exists.
The first twin, which is bribery, can be defined as a specific offence which concerns the practice of offering something, usually money, to gain an illicit advantage.
While corruption is also defined as an abuse of a position of trust to gain an undue advantage such as embezzlement of state funds, misuse of resources etc. With these explanations, it is obvious that these cankers are well-entrenched in our society.
On Wednesday, September 9, and 10, 2015 the Daily Graphic reported that 34 judges of the High, the Circuit and the District courts, allegedly took bribes, including money, goats, sheep to throw away cases which included robbery, murder and corruption among others . This was captured on video, by ace investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
This is sad in a country such as Ghana where government spends so much money on judges to prevent exactly the situation we are facing today.
The current scandal in the judiciary will definitely undermine confidence in the institution, hence, the need for the Judicial Council and other independent bodies to investigate the allegation further so that all officials involved are brought to book.
It is only then that this all important state institution can redeem its image.
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. The corruption scandal in the judiciary, should, however, serve a caution to us as individuals so we can also mend the petty corruption in our daily lives before criticising others, remember, “Charity begins at home.”
As a people, we are equally guilty of bribery and corruption. Do you remember the Ghana Cedi note you gave the policeman anytime he stopped your vehicle?
The money you gave to the administrator to put your unqualified ward in school? The tip you offered the DVLA staff to disregard the normal procedure and fast track the process of your driving licence?
Public officials shamelessly demand tips for doing the work they are paid to do. For instance, if you submit a form, application letter, etc., but fail to add weight by way of an envelope, then forget it because your document won't be worked on.
Churches and our chieftaincy institution have not been spared either. People buy positions and titles they do not qualify to hold.
Kingmakers are bribed to turn a blind eye to the normal procedure of inheritance for the wrongful people to ascend thrones and skins.
One can go on and on. So don’t turn a blind eye to your corrupt selves and gleefully criticise the judiciary and the police.
Let us audit our own “pinksheets”, before we do that of others.