Samuel Amponsah, an academic of the University of Ghana, has painted a grim picture of corruption in Ghana, arguing that the problem has become deeply entrenched across all levels of society and is no longer confined to politicians alone.
Speaking in an interview with 1960news.com, the academic said Ghana’s persistent development challenges, despite its abundant natural resources and repeated borrowing, point to a governance system plagued by corruption and a lack of accountability.
According to him, successive governments have consistently accused their predecessors of massive corruption while in opposition, only for similar allegations to emerge once they assume office. “Every opposition describes the incumbent as corrupt and promises arrests and accountability, but after elections we hardly see tangible action. So what happens to all our resources? What happens to all the loans? Why is Ghana still where it is?” he questioned.
He said the country’s inability to account for its wealth raises serious concerns about how public resources are managed. Professor Amponsah stressed that corruption has spread far beyond the political class, describing it as a national problem involving public servants, civil servants and ordinary citizens.
He noted that many public services that should be rendered without extra charges often require unofficial payments before officials are willing to perform their duties. “People are paid to provide services, yet many expect something extra as inducement before they will work. These are all forms of corruption,” he said.
The lecturer lamented that the practice has become so widespread that even children are beginning to perceive bribery as normal. He indicated that some parents have complained of their children requesting money to bribe their way into preferred class positions in basic schools, a trend he described as alarming.
He warned that corruption is gradually becoming part of Ghana’s social culture and called for a renewed commitment to integrity and contentment. “We need people who will be content with what God gives them. I just hope one day this will end,” he added.
Professor Amponsah also questioned the role of some religious leaders in promoting accountability. He observed that while some pastors and church leaders openly criticise governments when they are in opposition, many become silent once their preferred political party assumes power. He said this selective criticism undermines the moral authority of religious institutions and weakens efforts to fight corruption.
The University of Ghana academic also criticised the growing political culture where supporters demand the release of party members arrested over alleged criminal offences.
Tracing the trend back several years, he said both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have at different times organised campaigns demanding the release of their party officers or members who have held public offices and are facing legal action.
According to him, the situation has worsened to the point where some individuals attack law enforcement officers or attempt to free suspects from custody.
He described the phenomenon as a serious threat to the rule of law. “If somebody has committed a crime and the law is being applied, where does this idea of ‘free this person’ come from? It has become political,” he said.
Professor Amponsah attributed the country’s governance challenges to what he described as a “two-way failure.” He argued that many citizens no longer respect the Constitution and believe political affiliation gives them immunity from the law.
At the same time, he accused political leaders, law enforcement agencies and even the justice system of failing to enforce the law consistently because of electoral considerations. “Everything we do in this country, and in many parts of Africa, is about the next vote rather than the welfare of the country,” he stated.
He maintained that Ghana’s fight against corruption would only succeed if laws are applied fairly and consistently, regardless of political affiliation, while citizens themselves commit to respecting the rule of law and rejecting corrupt practices in everyday life.
By 1960news.com
