US Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson has argued that government officials should not engage in corrupt acts given the privileges they enjoy.
He said since such people have access to free accommodation as well as state vehicles, they have no excuse to opt for corrupt acts such as embezzlement and theft when serving the people.
He made these comments during a panel discussion at the launch of the National Anti-Corruption and Transparency week at the La Palm Royal Beach hotel.
Expressing his opinion on the influence of the Ghanaian culture in promoting corruption in the society, Ambassador Jackson said challenge of fulfilling the numerous demands of society to solve everyday problems is another reason why people are corrupt.
“Culturally, the fact that someone becomes a politician [and] has all of these demands placed upon him or she has to be a major consideration. But that’s why people are given state houses, automobiles, other things so that they don’t steal them”, he explained.
Adding his voice on the regulation and monitoring of corruption, Ambassador Jackson opined that the declaration of assets by government officials was one way in which corruption can be monitored. He also said that anti-corruption institutions can serve their purpose if they receive the needed assistance.
“Moreover, assets declarations which go beyond just putting your declaration of your assets in an envelope in the expectation that it will never be opened are way(s) to monitor. There are lots of institutions that can monitor if they are empowered to do so,” Ambassador Jackson stated.
