When money consumes the human conscience
In basic school, there was a poem I remember very well because it taught deep lessons about human life and values.
The poem focuses on money and how it affects relationships and conscience. It is titled “Money, O” by William Henry Davies (1871–1940).
The poet explains how having money attracted many false friends, while losing it revealed true ones. Even today, the message feels painfully real. Money seems to have consumed the conscience of many people. Sadly, even children.
There have been disturbing reports of children using their peers and parents for money rituals.
Some admitted they aimed to buy expensive cars and live flashy lives.
This shows how early unhealthy desire for money can corrupt moral judgement.
This problem cuts across society: in courts, schools, roads, hospitals, markets, businesses, politics, and homes.
In courts, some judges and lawyers accepted bribes and twisted justice, leaving innocent people in prison while the guilty walk free.
In schools, some educators accept money to support examination malpractice, promoting unqualified learners and ignoring honest ones.
On the roads, some police officers accept bribes and allow unqualified drivers to operate vehicles, putting lives at risk.
In hospitals, patients are sometimes forced to pay “tips” to receive quicker attention, while those who cannot afford it wait for hours, even in critical situations. How cruel!
In markets, some traders inflate prices or allow goods to spoil rather than reduce them.
Some landlords prefer to leave houses empty rather than lower rent.
When it feels justifying….
When people begin to justify such actions, danger looms.
In businesses, this behaviour is common.
Some employers inflate costs and blame economic hardship, arguing that without cutting corners the business will collapse.
Some employees also steal from company funds and justify it with the Akan saying “obiara didi wo n’adwuma ho”—meaning everyone should benefit from their occupation even when the act is clearly wrong. Sadly, this mindset has become normal.
A director once told me that in Ghana, if you do not exploit customers, your business may fail. This raises serious questions about our values.
Many people believe that having more money, even if acquired illegally, makes them respected and attractive.
In the quest to belong to a “higher class,” conscience is often silenced.
In homes and relationships, money has caused damage. Some women practise “chobo”, secretly keeping part of housekeeping money.
Some partners dupe each other financially and excuse it by saying, “But he is my boyfriend” or “She is my girlfriend.” This is cruel and irresponsible.
Greed has also pushed many into Ponzi schemes, falsely labelled as investments.
In politics, money is used to buy loyalty instead of winning people with sound ideas.
Even marriages suffer, as some partners hide finances, destroy trust, or stay in relationships only because of money.
Many people have lost dignity, relationships, and even their lives because money took control of their conscience.
So, what is the real issue?
In Ghana today, hard work and honesty do not always seem to pay.
Money can open doors and influence decisions, leading some to sacrifice dignity for wealth.
A few years ago, a man confessed that he helped university graduates travel abroad for prostitution and shared the proceeds.
In another case reported by MyJoyOnline (2014), a man named Kumi recruited young Ghanaian women, collected “processing fees,” and sent them to Kuwait, where they were forced into prostitution.
Money is necessary for survival, but its influence raises serious moral concerns.
The late Charles Kwadwo Fosu (Daddy Lumba) captured this reality in his music, showing how money damages relationships.
A respected Ghanaian marriage counsellor, Opanyin Kwadwo Kyere, has also advised that people must control money and not allow it to consume their conscience.
The Bible recognises the usefulness of money but warns against excessive love for it. Judas betrayed Jesus because of money.
In a world pressured by appearances and unhealthy competition, wise handling of money must be part of our values.
Remember: a good name is better than riches.
The writer is an Institutional Assessment Practitioner
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