Ghana becoming poorer because of corruption – Dr. Afari-Gyan

Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, a former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has attributed the economic challenges facing the country to widespread corruption within public institutions.

During the Constitution Day Public Lecture at UPSA, Dr. Afari-Gyan expressed concerns about the impact of corruption on the consolidation of democracy in the country. He highlighted a noticeable decline in the nation’s wealth due to pervasive corruption in the public sector, which has also affected the integrity of key institutions.

Furthermore, Dr. Afari-Gyan pointed out a concerning trend where electoral losers reject results and accuse manipulation, indicating a lack of widespread acceptance of democratic principles. He voiced his worries about the overall unpredictability in social life, which he believes discourages responsible behavior. In assessing the situation, Dr. Afari-Gyan stressed the importance of perception as it pertains to public trust and confidence in public institutions and office holders.

He emphasized that even if these ailments are perceived rather than real, they significantly impact the trust necessary for a healthy democracy. Additionally, he acknowledged that these challenges have sparked calls for constitutional amendments, but cautioned that such a process would be lengthy.