Ghana is being choked by widespread, unchecked corruption, according to Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, president of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
On November 13, 2023, at the opening ceremony of the 2023 plenary session in the Sunyani Diocese, Rev. Gyamfi voiced concern over the nation’s ongoing poverty in spite of its position as an oil producer.
He underlined the crippling effects of unchecked corruption, noting that it appears to be widespread and almost tolerated.
The effectiveness of the current democratic system, which seems to benefit a select few at the expense of the vast majority of people, was called into doubt by Rev. Gyamfi.
He also drew attention to the bold impunity and haughtiness some politicians had shown in defending unethical behavior.
He made fun of the rate of decline in the nation and the rise in corruption under the previous administrations.
“Both governments keep borrowing, and we are now in a deep financial crisis. Why are we in this economic and financial quagmire? The massive uncontrolled corruption is suffocating the nation. It appears corruption is legalized. What should Ghanaians do since the existing form of democracy help only a few and leaves the majority behind? What about the impunity and arrogance of some politicians and their defence of corruption?”
“Should the constitution not be changed or bettered for it to work for all Ghanaians instead of for a few? Should the legal system not be re-equipped to uproot corruption? What about our Parliament where the interest of the people is sacrificed for personal and party interests? Why have we not implemented the findings of the Constitutional Review Committee?
“Can the governments explain to us why we are in this economic mess? What explanations can the two political parties give to Ghanaians for the unfavourable agreements we sign on our oil, minerals, power generation etc.? Countries that have these resources in abundance are rich. Why do we remain poor? Ghanaians no longer accept the old explanations that the Governments of Ghana have been giving.”
Read the full keynote address below:
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com