Ghanaian youth now turning to politics as 'shortcut to success' — Mary Addah
The Executive Director of Transparency International Ghana, Mary Awelena Addah, has raised concern over what she describes as growing corruption and its impact on youth perceptions of success in Ghana.
She says the situation is driving many young people to view politics as the quickest route to wealth and social advancement, rather than a platform for public service.
The anti-corruption campaigner made the observation at a public forum on “Restoring Citizens’ Trust in the Fight Against Corruption in Ghana: The Role of the Media,” organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).
The forum, held on Wednesday, June 17, brought together stakeholders to discuss declining public confidence in anti-corruption efforts, with recent surveys indicating rising distrust in state institutions.
Addressing participants, Ms. Addah cautioned that corruption continues to undermine national development and shape dangerous aspirations among the youth.
“Corruption remains an existential challenge in our society… young people are increasingly becoming despondent, and they believe the shortest route to making it in society is to become politicians,” she said.
She stressed the need for urgent action to rebuild civic responsibility and strengthen anti-corruption systems, lamenting that the trend could worsen if left unchecked.
Ms. Addah also urged citizens not to remain passive in the fight against corruption, but rise to protect the future of the country.
“We need to pay attention, take this seriously, and see the innovative ways we can restore citizens’ trust, because the data out there is not good,” she noted.
She further encouraged stronger collaboration between institutions, the media, and citizens to promote accountability and rebuild trust in governance.