Corrupt activities impede dev. of Africa - Dr Nduom

Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, the Leader of the Progressive Peoples Party (PP) has said corrupt practices have prevented the African continent from becoming a well performed continent in the world.

He, therefore, called on Ghanaians to have personal commitment towards the fight against corruption in the country to enhance national development.

Dr Nduom was delivering a lecture through Skype to the students of Valley View University on the topic: "The degree of effect in integrating anti-corruption mechanisms in achieving "developed" Africa” in Accra.

The lecture organised by the University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Science, the Department of Development Studies and the Development Studies Student's Association had the theme: "The Transformation of "Developing" Africa to "Developed" Africa".

Dr Nduom said as a country, we need leaders, who would be committed to championing the cause of combating corrupt practices to enable accountability and transparency in the economy.

The PPP leader said over the years, Ghana has not done much concerning corruption, since signing on to the United Nations Convention on corruption in 2007.

He also called for the amendment of the Constitution to separate the A-G department from the Ministry of Justice to enable the AG to be independent in prosecuting corrupt government officers when found guilty.

"There should be an amendment on the local government system to allow people in the districts to elect their DCE, MCE," he added.

Dr Nduom also advocated for the abolishing of the Constitutional provision that allowed Ministers to be Member of Parliament to ensure checks and balances.

“As measures to address corruption, national leaders must declare their asset openly to ensure accountability.”

He urged the students to support incorruptible leaders to lead the development affairs of the country.

Dr Isaac B. Boateng, Director, Entrepreneur and Research Department, said if Africans are able to integrate anti-corruption activities into the development plans of Africa, the continent would see its economic development.

"If we really want to develop Africa, corruption needs to stop,” he added.

Professor Daniel Bediako, acting Vice Chancellor, Valley View University, said moral development was very important in the development of the Nation.

He said without moral development of citizens, efforts by government to champion the fight against corruption and improve on the economy would be a waste of time.

"Moral training should be a fundamental block to fighting the menace of corruption," he said.