Sr. Regina Ignatia Aflah, HDR, a Ghanaian Catholic has appealed to Ghanaians to be God-fearing and value driven people in the fight against corruption by being transparent and accountable and making their lifestyles to reflect Christ.
“We must be Christians not only at church but in our daily interactions,” she said at an August 19 Town Hall Meeting organised by the Arrupe Jesuit Institute and the Catholic Professionals Guilds at the Christ the King Parish.
“In combatting corruption, each of us is to live by the Golden Rule: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Mt 7:12). It provides a GPS for daily conduct. It will bring out any hint of greed and selfishness in our lives and promote integrity. This will ensure a trusting and trustworthy Ghanaian society where no supervisors are necessary to check on us,” she stated.
Sr. Aflah who is a Human Rights Lawyer asked Ghanaians especially Christian Professionals to be role Models wherever they found themselves, saying “We are to be faithful in the discharge of our duties, upright in finances, loyal in service and honest in a speech at work and home. Integrity should mark our actions and words. Honesty and truthfulness will ensure a just legal system (Ex 23:1).”
Urging Ghanaians to be gatekeepers and opinion shapers, she said “We must teach our children good morals and correct values and practices (2 Tim 6:11–12). We must advocate for a change of mind-set and a sound ethical approach and standards.”
According to her, “We ought to condemn and expose every form of corruption in society. The “culture of silence” is to be shattered by all of us. We must blow the whistle not because there is a promise of regard but for the sake of being good citizens.
“We need to resolve not to defend suspects within our own family, workers and church. We are to actively participate in the transformation of our nation on a personal and a communal level,” she added.
On the rule of law, she indicated that all must be seen as equal before the law, saying, “We ought to be a shining example of justice and speak against vices in society (Prov 21:3). Culprits must be punished because punishment is part and parcel of the administration of justice.”
She emphasised the need to contest corruption with the right attitude, averring, “We cannot win a fight unless we have the proper disposition and attitude.”
In order to building structures and methods that prevent Citizens from being corrupt, Sr. Aflah called on employers to ensure that workers were duly given just remunerations to prevent them from being corrupt.
