K.B. Asante Sparks ESB Controversy

A former diplomat and an educationist, Mr. K.B. Asante has suggested that those who leave political office should be given adequate End of Service Benefit (ESBs) to help curb corruption from the system. He said the reward would induce political officials to put service before self when in office.

"Unfortunately, money has become the most important determinant of so-called success in Ghana. Service to the community and the nation has become of secondary importance," he lamented, adding that, "how the money is made is not considered that important. Morality is compromised and corruption is promoted."

Mr. Asante made the remarks at the occasion of the launch of 'Moral Re- armament (MRA) Ghana' in Accra last week. It is a global network of men and women linked by common search for God's will. MRA is based on four absolute moral standards - love, purity, honesty and unselfishness.

K.B. Asante wondered why Ghana with competent and knowledgeable men and women is not progressing. Our strategies and plans, he said, have something to do with our plight. We should certainly greatly improve our policies, plans and strategies. To him, these have to be handled by men and women with the necessary competence and expertise.

He suggested that the major cause of the country's failure is the defective moral perception of our leaders. "The moral competence of many of our men and women in key positions leaves much to be desired," he said, adding that delinquency and immorality is rapidly developing among the youth.

"The future will remain bleak so long as we do not endeavour to change our ways," he said.

The Minster of Tourism and MP for Bawku, Madam Hawa Yakubu who launched MRA said the goals of MRA must be embraced by all.

"We must show and practice respect for each other, build good relations between our various ethnic groups, tackle any form of discrimination," she urged.

She added that Ghana needs to forge a network of peoples of all faiths, sex, cultures bound together by a shared commitment to work for reconciliation, justice and peace.