Corruption killing diaspora investments – Mahama

Former President John Mahama has said the level of corruption in Ghana is discouraging diasporans from investing back home.

“Working and living abroad, many of you in countries where corruption has been minimised or completely eradicated, Ghanaian Diasporians who come home to invest are unnerved when they find themselves right from our airport and seaports, having to pay bribes and tips to staff who are paid to provide the services they require.

“This has the effect of demoralising and dampening the spirit of the potential diaspora investor,” Mr Mahama said during a speech to mark the 40th-anniversary of the Ghana Union UK in London.

Mr Mahama said several institutions have been established and laws enacted to aid the fight against corruption, however, “it takes leadership and commitment to win the fight against corruption”.

“As a nation, we have a collective duty to fight and win this battle together,” he admonished.

Mr Mahama also called for an improvement in the work ethos back home in Ghana to match the standards in other parts of the world.

He said: “I have also heard harrowing stories from diaspora investors about our work ethic and attitudes back home”.