Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli, expressed deep concern about the prevailing state of corruption in Ghana in recent times. He emphasized that corruption remains the primary obstacle to Ghana’s progress and is perpetuated by political leaders who prioritize personal gain over national service. He underscored the urgent need to reverse this trend.
Addressing the second edition of the Asogli Yam Festival Anti-Corruption Day Celebration in Ho, Togbe Afede lamented the pervasive and unrelenting corruption that has infiltrated the country. He pointed out that Ghana’s political elite seemed to be engaged in a ruthless competition for control of the nation’s resources, echoing colonial-era exploitation.
Togbe Afede highlighted the connection between the exorbitant spending on political campaigns and the desire to gain control of Ghana’s resources, rather than a genuine aspiration for leadership. He noted that this situation had caused Ghana to fall behind its earlier promising trajectory and fail to realize the ideals of the 1992 constitution and the vision of its founding fathers.
The Agbogbomefia attributed Ghana’s chaotic economic situation to a combination of factors, including a lack of proper planning, inconsistent economic management, flawed monetary policies, dishonesty, partisanship, cronyism, and tribalism.
Togbe Afede acknowledged that corruption was not limited to politicians but had seeped into the broader culture of the nation. He called for a collective effort to combat corruption, emphasizing that it was essential to hold all accountable, including public officials who hid behind confidentiality and secrecy.
Despite these challenges, Togbe Afede believed that Ghana possessed the resources for a turnaround. He called for unity and a concerted effort to fight corruption, advocating for honesty, hard work, and a genuine love for the nation. He stressed the importance of leadership that promotes collaboration, respects the truth, and rejects divisiveness.
The anti-corruption event saw the participation of various dignitaries, including traditional and religious leaders, heads of government agencies, departments, and political leaders.
Source: Omanghana.com