Former Local Government Minister, Akwasi Oppong- Fosu has laid bare the deep wounds afflicting Ghana — wounds not just financial, but moral and institutional.
His recent article, “Resetting the Nation: The Imperative for a Code of Ethical Standards in Public Leadership and Service,” is a searing indictment of the rampant corruption and reckless abuse of power that, he warns, threaten the very survival of the nation.
Oppong-Fosu paints a grim picture: Ghana is on its knees, not because of a lack of resources or talent, but because those entrusted with public office have repeatedly betrayed the trust of the people.
Oppong- Fosu highlights the wilful loss of over $800 million at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) as a glaring example of national sabotage.
He wrote “Let’s talk facts. The wilful financial loss of over $800 million at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is one of the most outrageous examples of national sabotage in recent memory”.
He describes the scheme where high-grade electrical cables intended for public utility projects were instead auctioned off cheaply and smelted for scrap metal profit, exacerbating the country’s power infrastructure problems.
“Part of the scheme involved the importation of high-grade electrical cables meant for public utility projects. These cables were auctioned off cheaply—some almost given away—under questionable circumstances. Instead of being used to solve the country’s chronic power infrastructure problems, the cables were reportedly smelted and exported as scrap metal for profit,” he pointed out.
This, he argues, was a deliberate theft executed by insiders who knew exactly what they were doing.
“This was not a mistake. It was theft, executed with precision, by people who knew exactly what they were doing”.
The former minister criticizes the silence and complicity of institutions like National Security, which should have acted to prevent such economic crimes that threaten national stability.
He emphasized “What’s even more troubling is the silence—or worse, complicity—of institutions that should have acted. Where was National Security when public assets were being diverted, sold off, and smuggled out? These are not fringe criminal activities. These are strategic economic crimes that weaken the very foundation of the state.
“National Security must concern itself with defending the republic, not just protecting regimes. Nation-wrecking at this scale is a direct threat to national stability, and it must be treated as such”.
He stresses that many public officials operate without moral boundaries or fear of consequences, exploiting loopholes and evading accountability.
“In Ghana’s public service, many officials—both political and non-political—simply have no boundaries. They act with no moral compass, no sense of duty, and no fear of consequences. They exploit loopholes, bend rules, and operate as if accountability is optional”.
Drawing a striking comparison, Oppong- Fosu recounts a 2015 incident in Australia where hitmen spared a woman’s life because “we don’t kill women and children,” underscoring that even criminals have principles.
Oppong Fosu recounted “In 2015, Noela Rokundo, a Burundian-Australian woman, shocked the world by turning up at her own funeral. Her husband had paid hitmen $7,000 to have her killed. She was abducted at gunpoint, taken to a warehouse, tied to a chair. The killers took photos and called her husband to confirm the “job” was done.
He added “Why? According to them(Hitmen), “We don’t kill women and children.” Even in their criminal underworld, they have limits. They let her go and handed over the evidence that led to the husband’s arrest and conviction. Even hitmen have principles”,
He questions what excuse Ghana’s public servants have, given their oath to serve the nation.
“So what excuse do public servants in Ghana have—people who swore an oath to serve the nation?”, he asked.
“The answer is: none”, he answered rhetorically.
Oppong Fosu calls for a legally binding oath of ethical service for all public servants, enforceable with criminal accountability.
“Henceforth it must be made law that every public servant, regardless of rank or position, must swear an enforceable oath of ethical service—not a ceremonial pledge, but a binding commitment to uphold the national interest. And when they violate it, they must be held personally and criminally accountable”, he opined.
He advocates for a comprehensive Code of Ethical Standards to define acceptable conduct and impose real consequences for corruption and abuse of office.
“Ghana doesn’t just need better laws. We need ethical discipline built into the very fabric of public service. A Code of Ethical Standards that clearly defines what is acceptable and what isn’t.”
He warns that Ghana cannot progress while tolerating “nation-wreckers” in power. “It’s time for a reset. It’s time to draw the line,” he declares, emphasizing that public servants must be held to a higher standard for Ghana’s survival.
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
