Accountability failure cause of pervasive corruption — Sam Jonah

Business mogul, Sir Sam Jonah, says "the abysmal failure of accountability structures" in the country is a reflection of the pervasive corruption that has become a societal norm.

"Corruption has become so pervasive that many Ghanaians consider it an intrinsic part of our culture, and not to be corrupt as a social anomaly," he said.

"Rather than emulate the selfless spirit of our heroes, governance is replete with scandals, which get worse by the day," he said.

Speaking at the Graphic National Development Series in Accra last Tuesday, Dr Jonah said: "Governments do not only spare the corrupt within their own bracket; we hardly hear of disciplinary actions against public officials traceable to executive graft, corruption, self-aggrandisement or unexplained wealth.

"Even when investigating past officials from the other camp, restraint is exercised for fear that when they are squeezed too hard, they may retaliate should they return to power," he said.

Dr Jonah also said that the days of altruism and selfless national service closely associated with the immediate aftermath of Ghana’s independence had "receded far into the distance". 

Assault on environment

Dr Jonah further asked: "Where are the Kwame Nkrumahs? Indeed, nowhere is the abysmal failure of accountability structures more evident than in the reckless assault on the natural environment through illegal mining."

He said while the devastation caused to local water bodies, forests and people’s health remained immeasurable, governments had "looked away and shamelessly displayed insensitivity, especially in election years".

Dr Jonah, a former Chief Executive of AngloGold Ashanti, said public office had become a pathway to personal wealth rather than service to the people, setting the stage for undermining the sovereignty of the state.

"I know of one academic who briefly entered politics with a clean and virtuous mind only to be soon alienated and characterised as unfortunately “unbusinesslike,” a refined euphemism for “non-corrupt”.

“A businesslike politician is one who considers every policy objective as an opportunity to pursue self-interest, and considers dollars and property accruing to family and friends as a measure of successful policy implementation,” he explained.

Parliament

Dr Jonah, who is also the Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, cited the recent controversy in Parliament over the status of four Members of Parliament contesting the next election on tickets different from those they represent currently in the House.

“The challenges we face in governance are profound and deeply rooted in a rather tragic mindset. Currently underway is a virtual crisis in Parliament that has led to the indefinite suspension of sittings.

“Issues at stake go beyond mere procedure and protocol. I believe a deeper crisis lurks beneath: the erosion of integrity, patriotism, nationalism within our body politic”.

"When the legislature, the very embodiment of democratic law, ethics and virtues, exhibits signs of malaise, our sense of optimism as a nation plummets,” the statesman said.