Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana Kwame Asah Asante has stated that while there are institutions to fight corruption effectively in Ghana, the only ingredient required is the political will of leadership.
According to him, every government in the Fourth Republic has failed to meet expectations in addressing corruption.
He noted that despite Ghana's strong laws and good institutions, the government does not take the corruption fight seriously.
Prof Asante added that although these institutions are generally sound, they face challenges.
Both leading political parties include anti-corruption measures in their manifestos, but the canker remains inadequately addressed.
Speaking on JoyNews AM Show, Prof Asante said, “The preponderance of corruption leaves me in no option than to say that, we are losing the fight big time and one factor that is driving this is lack of political will because if you look at the recent law passed to establish the Office of The Special Prosecutor, one would have thought that would be the game changer but even that has proved as not necessarily the reality”.
He said that while President Kufuor introduced a policy of zero tolerance for corruption, and Nana Addo and others have also made efforts, Ghana needs something more.
According to Prof Asante, that "something more" is the political will to truly combat corruption.
"Let's look at the NPP. They want to fight corruption using digitization, but after digitization, what's next? After you have identified through the political system or the system you've put in place that Mr A or B has done something wrong; the next step is prosecution. And who handles that? Is it not the state? Does the state have the political courage and will to deal with this? If you look at all the parties from the beginning of this republic, you'll see that dealing with their own members becomes a problem."
Latest Stories
-
Microsoft, BlackRock to launch $30bn fund for AI infrastructure
54 mins -
Building one Ghana with opportunity for all is my priority – Bawumia
1 hour -
We will not forget the respect you have showed to us – Head of Ashaiman Ewe community to Bawumia
1 hour -
‘The fight continues’ after nationwide ‘Enough is Enough’ demo – NDC reaffirms call for transparency
1 hour -
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs denied bail in sex-trafficking case
2 hours -
Kate at first work meeting since cancer treatment
2 hours -
EC responds to NDC’s petition, promises robust final register for 2024 elections
3 hours -
Amazon mandates five days a week in office starting next year
4 hours -
Beyond bolt-on solutions: Cultivating a security-first approach
4 hours -
Ghana Garden and Flower Show 2024: Cultivating hope for a sustainable future
4 hours -
The growing threat of military rule: Democracy in Africa, quo vadis?
4 hours -
Global Media Alliance hosts Employees Day, fostering collaboration and fun
4 hours -
Disaster averted in Red Sea as burning tanker saved
4 hours -
I met Harry as he turned 30 – here’s how he’s changed
5 hours -
Prince Harry: I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40
5 hours