Weak Civil Society, Weak Media And Low Salaries Identified As Major Cause Of Corruption

An anti-corruption crusader, Raphael Godlove Ahenu Jr. has identified weak civil society, the media, high unemployment and low public sector salaries, as the main contributory factors to the entrenchment of corruption in Africa and Ghana in particular.

According to him, strong Civil Society and media are essential to combat corruption in the continent.

Speaking to the media in Sunyani, Mr. Ahenu , who is also the Founder and CEO of Global Media Foundation said corruption remains a major problem in Africa and 'continues to be a very serious source of concern.'

He pointed out that although progress has been made with regard to fighting corruption in Ghana and some parts of Africa an increased effort is required to nurture the grounds for an environment in which all actors responsible to uphold the integrity of African society are well-connected and active in their respective fields.

He noted that corruption continues to hinder Africa's efforts at transforming itself into a transparent and accountable society. To help in the process, Mr. Ahenu Jr. said the Foundation is to embark on a project dubbed 'Regional Anti-corruption Campaign' (RECAC) which is geared towards sustaining the anti-corruption project in Africa. Among others, civil society and the Media are key actors in pushing governments for more transparency and less corruption.

Mr. Ahenu said although there are many such organisations throughout Africa that are active in the areas of anti-corruption, transparency and accountability; there is much space to enhance their cooperation to ensure a louder, more collective voice against corruption.

According to him, the Foundation is in a process of forming a network to be known as United Association for African Affairs (UAAA) with its primary objective being the establishment of a sustainable network to combat corruption and promote transparency and accountable governance in Africa.

The CEO said the membership of the network will be open to civil society, NGOs, Media practitioners, and other anti-corruption actors.

This he noted will enhance collaboration among such actors engaged in related areas throughout Africa and establish grounds for cooperation in advocating for a more transparent and accountable society.