Former President Jerry John Rawlings
Former President Jerry John Rawlings has appealed to Ghanaians living abroad to help in the fight against corruption in Ghana.
According to Mr Rawlings, the discipline and prudent management resources Ghanaians living abroad have acquired should be transmitted to Ghana to help curb corruption and wastage, especially in the public sector.
The former president disclosed this while delivering a keynote address at the 2018 Ghana United Kingdom (UK) Based Achievement GUBA) Awards on Saturday, July 14 in London.
He was of the opinion that even though Ghana had made positive strides to enhance its democracy and stabilization of its economy, corruption remains a major socio-economic problem facing the country.
The ex-President added that “it’s important to appreciate the fact that keeping our moral fabric as a people intact and the appropriate mindset as citizens towards corruption is key to fighting this menace.”
“Ghana’s role as a hub of peace and the gateway to Africa means that the country has to contribute in diverse ways to make the continent a better place.
He observed that “the world can only hold us in high esteem on how much we connect to universal shared values of truth and integrity.”
“I have reached a phase in life where I should be enjoying my life after decades of tireless service. I would be content to observe my fellow citizens prosper; see my fellow citizens gain access to the basic amenities they are entitled to and also see an African continent where the safety, freedom and justice is guaranteed amidst the improvement of their socio-economic status.”
“How do I experience any peace of mind when I see my fellow Africans butcher each other as has happened in countries like Sudan, Nigeria and Cameroon? How can I not feel pain and anger when innocent victims, especially women and children, are mindlessly killed?
Touching on the conflicts in parts of the continent, former President Rawlings said too much wealth and power happens to be in the hands of many wrong people, with some countries under the grip of unconscionable characters and their partners in the so-called developed world.
Cameroon Crisis
Touching on the situation in Cameroon, he called on the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), as well as French President Emmanuel Macron, to investigate the reported abuse of Anglophones and avoid the imposition of superficial solutions on the English-speaking half of the country.
He stated that “Today, there are many nations around us that are saddled with unimaginable conflicts. What we need to do as a continent is to push our governments and various reputable people to stand and speak out against injustices in affected countries. In Cameroon for instance; a twin nation of two former UN trust territories that had enjoyed a semblance of peace for 57 years since 1961, but is currently deteriorating rapidly into a place of full scale conflict.”
“I will urge the UN and AU to look into Cameroon’s case because we cannot impose superficial solutions on the English-speaking half of the country. I will also urge France and President Macron to be seen as part of the solution to salvage the situation and restore justice and equity to that part of the country. Mankind has had enough of its bloodshed over natural resources which should rather benefit their lives!”
The former African Union High Representative to Somalia said: “Today, there are many nations around us that are saddled with unimaginable conflicts. What we need to do as a continent is to push our governments and various reputable people to stand and speak out against injustices in affected countries.”
Former President Rawlings said democracy and development that are not based on the rule of law and freedom and justice would eventually collapse as experienced in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia.
The former Ghana Leader also commended GUBA and its founder and Chief Executive, Dentaa Amoateng for recognizing the diverse cultural and economic potential of Ghanaians.
He also commended GUBA for its autism campaign and support to educational institutions in Ghana.
By Melvin Tarlue