IF CORRUPTION IS A SEED,...?

Corruption not only have been appropriated to a permeative feature if politics in Ghana but also has erupted to become an important factor in the midst of Ghanaians. Concurrently in major discussions and matters if interest, the favourite quote, which constantly creates  discussions among the citizenry, is corruption.

In all those features of forums aiding in public education, the conclusions are mainly directed at people in governmental positions. They are all triebut corruption starts from the grassroots of humans. Corruption is a constituency that entails bribery, dishonesty, irresponsible citizen behaviour and abuse of public trust. In other patterns, corruption can be classified as  illegitimate favour for anyone for monetary or other personal benefits, profits, excesses or gains. The economic and political front of Ghana has shown evident aspects of corruption. The GYEEDA scandal (2013), Judicial Corruption Saga (2015), Bus Branding by SMARTYS, Brazil Fiasco (2014), money allocated to Alfred Woyome and Electoral Commission Fraud (2017) amongst others. Much efforts have been placed to fight the economic and political corruption. The set up of agencies - EOCO etc and advertisement of it have yielded at least a positive results. The act itself have been encouraged and embraced as a normality of life. Deepening the woes of the country in the fight against corruption, Ghana was in 2016 ranked 70 of 176 countries scoring 43 of 100 points by the Transparency International. Surprisingly, the country is ranked as a country with vast religious activists - Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, African Traditional Religion etc. If all these religions preach against corruption, then where from this canker? Does it signify that they also practice it? That is a question for another day. Or, a conclusion that all those active in the act are not citizens and outside the society of norms , values, and traditions as a whole.

Corruption, not only affects a societal development but also retards, engulfs and packs a heap of problems on the generation that will follow. If care is treated absentminded, the country will move into their previous state and its imbibers will be slaves for external forces. Excerpts and examples can be seen as deteriorating the economic, political and social power of the country.

Frequently, the notice of abandoning of duty posts by civil servants on government payroll to serve their personal gains tends to derail the working and productivity in institutions. The notion that people spent the money and we are also humans to do same is actually paving way for these acts to be numerous. Also, I have power and I can it to employ unqualified personnel's into the workplace because they are my family and friends. It is better to keep people you know around you and keep the funds to benefit us. This does not permit productivity to function.

In other cases of corruption, citizens have kindled an enthusiasm to destroy public facilities, heap refuse around and also act on indecent behaviours towards the environment. This people normally see it as nothing. The process that can make a person corrupt can itself be termed as corruption. Certain government institutions will take advantage of this indecent behaviour and add up figures that will tend to fill their pockets instead of doing diligent work. Acting in ignorance in the sphere of corruption, pleas are made on government to aid in correcting the indecent behaviour instead of defending and obliging on their responsibility as citizens to curb any refuse disposal at prohibited places.

Building the facts of the present day Ghana, gifts and other benefits are received by people of higher offices before or after performing a duty. This has perforated loop holes in the government (i.e. schooling, churches, government positions etc) of the country. Influencing the appointment, nomination and awarding of positions and contracts to persons who are not competent based on nepotism, tribal and acquaintance affiliation etc. The various governance of people had waded into the mayhem, elbowing an incomplete development in social, economic and political structures of the country.

Corruption, thus, becomes a seed that has, will, and would germinate into fruit. It has, will, and would germinate a sweet delicacy of meal now but the after bite is the issue that concerns the citizens of Ghana.

If corruption is a seed, then what are its fruits? 

By: Ampah Emmanuel Jnr

E-mail: ampahemmanueljnr@gmail.com

Call: 0276344474