Build strong public opinion to fight corruption – Minister

Mr Lee Ocran, Minister of Education, on Friday said a strong public opinion against corruption was as an effective means of fighting the menace.

Speaking at the Presidential Luncheon organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG) in Accra, he expressed worry that corruption had not been effectively tackled from the right source.

Mr Ocran described as unfortunate public perceptions that only politicians were corrupt, adding that civil servants could be culprits as well because “It is public officials who sign contracts not ministers.”

Mr Ocran described corruption as a bane to national development and called for effective ways to deal with the situation.

Professor Cletus K. Dordunoo, Chief Executive Officer of Claydord Consult, a private initiative, expressed disquiet over the practice on the part of some political elites and teachers who preferred foreign health care and educational services.

He added that though some teachers taught in government schools, they enrolled their children in private schools.

Professor Dordunoo described these practices as harmful to national development.

Mrs Angela Peasah, President of the ICAG, called for the revival of the Association of Professional bodies to participate actively in providing objective and professional perspectives on national issues to ensure democracy, integrity and stability in Ghana.

She said one of the major challenges facing the national development agenda is the absence of an agreed development plan.

“The party in power not only decides everything without recourse to opposing views but also dismisses skilled civil servants because of perceived political allegiance to the previous government.”

Mrs Peasah added that the situation had a long-term negative impact on the country.

Source: GNA