Rawlings bemoans levels of corruption

Former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings has condemned what he described as the unprecedented levels of corruption, offensive show of power and opulence by some government functionaries.

In his view, at a time when the country required some frugality due to the economic difficulties, some government appointees were being opulent and misusing their power.

Mr Rawlings was addressing a special congregation of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in the Central Region, at which he was one of three persons  awarded honorary doctorate degrees, last Thursday.

The other recipients were a former President of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), and the first Vice-Chancellor of the UEW, Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah.

Mr Rawlings, who spoke on behalf of the others, used the occasion to address a wide range of issues, including politics, education and international concerns.

Accountability 

The former President pointed out that citizens had the moral right and duty to confront their political leaders as well as insist on accountability, equity, transparency and fair play, adding that we would be more valuable if “we as individuals are incorruptible”.

“Our policies will be devoid of greed and corruption if we develop the conscience as a people. Also, our leaders must learn to play by the book,” he said. 

 Mr Rawlings said he was appalled by the insensitivity displayed by some political appointees and called on the President Mahama and his vice to be mindful of those officials.

He noted that the people needed to see signs of the government’s commitment to cleaning up its ‘house’ before they could follow in the quest to make sacrifices for the nation.

“We cannot fight the various forms of corruption if we do not take on leaders and so-called untouchables who have resorted to institutionalising corruption,” he added. 

Mr Rawlings, in his characteristic fashion, made a case for the country to be restored to one that was worth dying for. 

Support for debate 

Turning his spotlight on to the ongoing debate on the constitutional amendment, he said he had always been a firm believer in the kind of governance that was inclusive and consultative for national progress.

He expressed concern over the character of some African leaders who forced themselves to either stay in power or come to power, saying that such tendencies bred corruption and underdevelopment. It was on that score that Mr Rawlings lauded the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) for spearheading the ongoing campaign for multi-party governance and constitutional reforms and called on Ghanaians to participate in the process.

Ebola and cholera

On the issue of the Ebola scare and the outbreak of cholera in the country, the former President asked the relevant institutions to intensify their efforts to confront the outbreak. 

He indicated that medical personnel needed more education on the Ebola virus and called for protective equipment to be made available to them to contain any incidents.

He described the outbreak of cholera in Ghana, which had claimed some lives as “an embarrassing reflection of our poor sanitation practices” and stressed the need for Ghanaians to be hygienic and follow strict health guidelines to avoid getting infected.

Global front

The former President has issues with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which he said was a blot on the global stage.

He questioned the sincerity of the United States of America’s quest to champion world peace when that same country looked on as many lives  needlessly lost and innocent Palestinian women and children  brutalised and killed by the Israelis. 

He expressed the conviction that the inaction of the United States of America in the matter demonstrated its show of support for the Israelis.

Writer’s email: Sebastian.syme@graphic.com.gh