“Woe to those who turn justice into wormwood and cast righteousness to the ground. They hate those who reprove at the gate and abhor those who speak with integrity…. Yes, I know how many your crimes, how grievous are your sins: Oppressing the just, accepting bribes, turning away the needy at the gate. (Amos 5:7, 10&12)
A cursory look at allegations of reports in our traditional and social media of late shows that the twin evils of bribery and corruption have not subsided in spite of the many efforts by stakeholders. Corruption is defined as dishonest or fraudulent behavior by those in positions of power, typically involving bribery or outright demand for bribe, gift, largesse what is commonly referred as “greasing ones palm.”
Corruption can also be a demand for payment for services you render in an official capacity which you are already being paid for. Bribery can also be defined as offering, giving, or receiving anything of value with the intent of inducing or rewarding someone for acting
It is unfortunate that corruption is still becoming a norm in our society on the excuse that everyone is doing it, making others to join the band wagon. But this kind of attitude, by a section of Ghanaians, is indeed stalling the country’s development.
As a country, we have every cause to worry, as corruption appears to pervade every corridor of our national lives. The truth is that slowly but steadily this canker is threatening the very fabric of our society even in our places of worship.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and the Christian Council of Ghana have over the years condemned acts of corruption among Ghanaians in Communiqués and Statements they issue during their Annual Plenary Assemblies, a very commendable gesture from the Christian Leaders but the question is have their numerous calls been taken seriously by all successive governments?
Undoubtedly, the craze for more money which inevitably lead to crimes such as bribery and corruption have become so endemic. The proverbial Ghanaian culture of a “Showing Appreciation or Giving Thanks” for services rendered can primarily be blamed for corruption in Ghana.
Society blames you when you try to be very honest and dedicated the dictates of your Christian values and principles of not conniving and condoning to involve yourself in corrupt acts or practices. Deviation from religious values and unbridled politicization can also be identified as one of the root causes and barriers to combating corruption in Ghana.
Other causes could be attributed to the breakdown of cultural values, the quest for riches and fame, failed leadership, victimization, non-accountability by people in leadership, cover ups, lack of political will to punish corrupt officials, lack of punitive sanctions, among others, which breads and fuels corruption.
Who are those perpetrating the twin evil of bribery and corruption? They are our own family members (Brothers and sisters, aunties and uncles, parents, grandparents, cousins, nephews and nieces) who are Christians and Muslims worshipping God daily. Indeed, it is said that a Christian who allows corruption is not a Christian but stinks like a “decaying animal corpse.”
It also an undeniable fact that in Ghana today, bribery and corruption may be found in many of the sectors including our courts and tribunals at times leading to the perversion of justice. There bribery and corruption on our roads, resulting in gross disregard for traffic rules and regulations and consequently causing loss of valuable lives through accidents that could have been avoided.
Bribery and corruption are found in our hospitals and health delivery centres, where some Ghanaians are left unattended to and some have even died, because they could not afford the extra money shamefully being demanded before treatment is given or one is made to see a medical personnel.
What about bribery and corruption in our schools and educational institutions? Yes, right from admission to kindergarten, through Basic, Junior and Senior Secondary schooling, to qualifying examinations in tertiary institutions, cannot be overlooked. Some examiners, teachers or lecturers leak examination questions to pupils and students especially ladies for sexual pleasures.
It is also disheartening to hear how some youth especially girls have to suffer various forms of ignoring in order to obtain what is their due, be it in the pursuit of education, academic or professional qualification or jobs. Interestingly, some National Service Personnel would take their allowances every month but won’t be at post. Even some journalists would take money to kill nation-saving stories.
Bribery and corruption is not absent at Ghana’s points of entry, such as our airports, harbours and our borders; and only God knows how much revenue is lost to the State through these points. The same may be said of several of the institutions administering social services and public utilities such as Post and Telecommunications, Water and Sewerage, Electricity Company, Lands Commission and valuation, Town and Country Planning, Roads and Highways and our Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
What about our Churches? Some pastors also hide in the name of the Bible to drain and defraud their congregants from the little they have. Misappropriation of funds and inability to use Church monies judiciously, some Pastors have also turned themselves into building contractors leaving their pastoral works, negotiating with people to either over invoice or under invoice instead of leaving that to the experts in the Church.
It obvious that the story is not much different in the market or business and building sectors. In politics, this disease is very well rooted; some pay in order to get (undue) favours and powers after elections.
Ghanaians today think it is normal and at times feel it is even right to demand a bribe before offering a service, which they already receive wages and salaries. If you dare not give bribe you are considered the odd.
Amusingly, in today’s Ghana, hardly anyone believes in the integrity of officials in government, in private or public sectors. Very few believe in the true value of a certificate or qualification, or in the honesty of an interviewing panel. Applications must have “weight” or “supported” by something either in kind, or cash or with a recommendation of some sort.
Luke 3:14 which states that: “Exact No More than Your Rate…! No Extortion! Be content with your pay,” should awaken the consciences of Ghanaians to the truth of this canker of corruption that is destroying the moral fibre of the nation. Corruption, indeed, respects no person. Anybody could be corrupted. Anyone with self-esteem must be on the constant look out to avoid the occasion that would lead to corruption.
Corruption affects the needy, the poor and the nation at large and as a result, stern action should be taken against perpetrators to deter others and nip it in the bud. Everything possible must be done to eradicate it from the society and prevent its institutionalization.
In my strongest opinion, parents have a duty to inculcate sound religious and moral values in their children. Similarly, political leaders must learn to do away with rhetoric and punish acts of corruption and perpetrators. The formation of Integrity Clubs in schools to instil honesty and decency in the youth is also being strongly recommended.
As Ghanaians for that matter Christians, we need to remind ourselves that corruption breeds suffering but in the long run, it is the whole nation that collapses economically, socially and morally under the crushing weight of bribery and corruption.
Let’s continue to speak as Christians because when “Good people fail to speak, evil triumphs or wins.”
By Damian Avevor
