Corruption has be evaluated to be a problem in the world, not only in Africa. Corruption is a form of dishonest or unethical conduct by a person entrusted with a position of authority. However, most countries in the world practice favouritism, nepotism and clientelism which are also other aspects of corruption.
Recently, John Dramani Mahama, immediate past president of Ghana has slammed what he says is a humiliating tag of corruption on African countries. He mentioned that corruption should be slammed globally and not only on Africa.
According to Mahama, corruption was a global cancer that required a concerted effort to fight. He explained that every country of the world has an element(s) of corruption. Mahama spoke exclusively on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on Africa held in Durban, South Africa. He also said that the world should come together to fight this cancer and not leave it for just a continent to battle with.
‘‘I reject that tag (you know) of trying to humiliate African countries with the tag of corruption, corruption is a problem all across the world even in the developed world and so all of us must partner to continue to fight it.”
‘‘I mean as you point one finger at somebody else, four fingers are pointing back at you. What we don’t recognize is the success we’re having in the fight against. It is not the prosecution of people that shows that the fight is going on. It is the systems we put in place to prevent corruption that are important,’‘ he said.
Mahama further suggested that apart from fighting corruption, African countries should fight to achieve inclusive economic growth in order to cushion their most vulnerable class of people. He believes that the low growth level of Africa also attracted the tagged name “corrupt continent”
‘‘Yes, the fight against corruption must continue but at the same time we must make efforts to achieve inclusive growth, they are not exclusive of each other,’‘ he added.
In addition, Mahama defended his legacy over his period as president adding that since governance was a continuum, it was important for the new government under Nana Akufo-Addo to continue with projects his administration had started. He said that it was the right thing to do in order for good projects to continue and not abandoned.
However, it was reported that Mahama lost a second-term bid to Akufo-Addo in elections last year. He was the fourth president under Ghana’s 1992 constitution. He had previously served as vice-president and Member of Parliament – during which time he also held ministerial positions. Mahama was confirmed by Ghanaian to be a man of his words.
The world has a cancer tagged ‘corruption’ to be cured. This disease cannot only be seen in Africa but also in other continents. The acceptance that it’s a global disease will help to proffer long lasting solutions which will eventually lead to world growth and development.
