Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli, has said corruption remained the main hindrance to the nation’s growth and was being sustained by political leaders seeking personal gain over national service, adding there was need to “turn her around.”
Togbe Afede addressing the second edition of the Asogli Yam Festival Anti-Corruption Day Celebration in Ho, noted with concern the steady stream corrupt practices flooding the country.
“Our political elite have replaced our colonial masters in a more viscous scramble for our resources. If you want to know why they spend so much money campaigning to get to political positions or appointments, the answer is the desire to gain control of our resources. it is not for leadership, at least, for the most of them.”
The event, held at the forecourt of the Asogli palace, fell on the birthday of Ghana’s first President, and Togbe Afede noted how the nation, which had set out prosperous, got outpaced by many.
“Few decades ago, Ghana was obviously ahead of the Asian tigers. But the reality today is that we have failed to achieve the ideals of the 1992 constitution and the vision of our founding fathers.
“I think our chaotic economic situation is the product of a toxic mix among others of lack of proper planning, and a consequent episodic approach to economic management and bad monetary policy that has indexed our future to the past; our dishonesty, partisanship, cronyism, and tribalism,” the Agbogbomefia said.
He, however, noted that corruption cut across and “not just the politicians,” but it was becoming a part of the nation’s culture, therefore, all, including “parasitic” public officials who take cover under confidentiality and secrecy, should be called to order.
The Agbogbomefia said weak institutions and corrupt attitudes remained part of the problem, yet the nation retained the resources for a turnaround, therefore “all must come together and fight corruption.
“We can turn Ghana around through honesty, hard work, and genuine love for our nation. But it requires leadership. Leadership encourages us to work together and do things differently. Leadership that respects the truth, eschews divisiveness” he concluded.
The anti-corruption event has several dignitaries in attendance, including traditional and religious leaders, heads of agencies and departments, and political leaders.
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe, who opened the session, took the opportunity to warn of the impending fate of the nation, considering the spate of corruption.
“Ghana is heading to a great disaster. If the nation falls into any disaster, the brunt of the people will deal with all of them,” he said and called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and former Presidents to speak out.
Mr. Daniel Dormelevo, said, “Corruption is the deadliest disease that has ever visited our country,” and traced the claim across all sectors of the economy.
He said the spate of corruption eroded quality leadership in the country, and called for a sound public financial management system.
“A system which can ensure that resources are used for the intended purposes. We also need strategic allocation of resources,” the former Auditor General stated.
He called also for a strict asset declaration regime, saying the current regime lacked verification and the needed sanctions to make it effective.
Mr. Dormelevo also called for fiscal decentralisation, which he said would help send financial resources, where needed, and thus address corruption.
He also suggested the need to end individual funding of political parties amidst the cost of running elections, and that institutions such as the NCCE could be empowered to provide a level ground for political campaigns.
Mr. Dormelevo also said to “commercialise the prosecution of corruption”, saying individuals could be empowered to pursue rot in society and receive some proceeds when successful.
“People should be resourced to fight corruption. It will sustain the fight,” he stated while suggesting that anti corruption institutions needed to be “strengthened and restructured.”
Both speakers hailed Togbe Afede, who is celebrating two decades as ruler, for his strong commitment to the fight against corruption in the country.