Corruption suffocating Ghana's economy - UK Minister

UK’s Minister for Africa has stated that excessive corruption in Ghana is suffocating the country’s economy and has called on President Mahama to be firm in the fight against corruption.

Mr. James Doddridge in an exclusive interview with Starr News, said tougher measures that will cage or sanction individuals engaged in corrupt practices must be instituted.

The British parliamentarian added that systemic corruption chokes the growth of private sector businesses.

“One of the biggest problems in Ghana if not the biggest is that of corruption from the top to the bottom and in particular corruption that affects trade.

“Corruption in terms of importing and exporting goods and having to pay bribes for facilitation or voluntary taxation or whatever you want to call it seems to be a system of doing business in Ghana...so Ghana is suffocating its own economy through toleration of corruption,” Mr. Doddridge said.

Mr. Doddridge also urged the government not to make excuses for persons found guilty of corruption.

“From what I have seen it’s been a long time since there has been a high profile corruption case and prosecution in Ghana…more people who should be prosecuted and be ending up in jail and that would send out a message to the benefit of all Ghanaians.”