Mr. Manasseh Azure Awuni, a prominent investigative journalist and anti-corruption campaigner, has urged the Ghanaian judiciary to prioritize and expedite corruption cases. Speaking in Ho, he emphasized that individuals accused of public theft must no longer be allowed to exploit legal loopholes and deliberately stall trials. This call was made during the Asogli State's Choral and Anti-corruption Day Celebration, which was held under the theme "Strengthening Institutional Integrity, Transparency, and Good Governance for Sustainable National Development."
Mr. Awuni challenged the judiciary to purge itself of corruption in order to effectively lead the national anti-graft campaign. He noted that individuals who embezzle state funds often have the means to bribe actors across the accountability chain. According to him, advanced nations have successfully curbed corruption through strict enforcement, while Africa remains plagued by unchecked malpractice. He stressed that law enforcement agencies must execute their mandates diligently to combat corruption.
The anti-corruption campaigner also urged the state to put measures in place to make corruption highly unattractive. He commended Togbe Afede XIV for institutionalizing the anti-corruption day to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of graft on national development. Mr. Awuni called on traditional leaders to desist from intervening on behalf of corrupt officials, emphasizing that churches and other institutions must not condone corruption.
Mr. Awuni drew a connection between personal values and integrity, noting that individuals raised in families that anchor their values on integrity and hard work are more likely to serve the public honestly. He acknowledged that no nation has entirely eradicated corruption but pointed out that many countries have successfully prevented it from causing widespread misery. He called on all Ghanaians to actively join the collective fight against corruption.
Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, affirmed that corruption is the greatest obstacle to Ghana's socio-economic development. He recounted growing up in an era where corruption was virtually unknown in the Gold Coast, lamenting that post-independence Ghana had normalized corruption to the detriment of national progress. The Agbogbomefia explained that the Asogli Anti-corruption Day was established to generate widespread awareness of the structural damage caused by graft.
The Agbogbomefia reiterated his commitment to sustaining the anti-corruption campaign so that the country's developmental gains are not eroded. He emphasized that the campaign aims to promote institutional integrity, transparency, and good governance. Mr. Daniel Domelevo, Board Chairman of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), also spoke at the event, noting that no country can achieve meaningful, long-term socio-economic progress without addressing corruption.
The event was part of a broader effort to raise awareness about corruption and promote good governance in Ghana. The Asogli State's anti-corruption campaign aims to engage citizens and promote a culture of integrity and transparency. Key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations, are expected to play a crucial role in this effort.
Key points
- The judiciary has been urged to prioritize and expedite corruption cases.
- Corruption is considered a major obstacle to Ghana's socio-economic development.
- The Asogli Anti-corruption Day was established to raise awareness about the impacts of graft on national development.
