Vote against corrupt politicians to save Ghana – Domelevo urges

Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo has called on Ghanaians to take an interest in heightening corruption cases in the country and take effective measures to curb them by voting out corrupt leaders in the upcoming elections.

Ghana goes to the polls on December 7 in a crucial contest between Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who is leading the governing NPP and former President John Mahama who is the presidential candidate for the largest opposition party, the NDC.

All candidates have announced policies aimed at tackling graft at all levels when given the nod by electorates to govern the country. However, there is a widespread perception that close associates of these candidates are corrupt, especially those in the current government.

Domelevo, who believes highly corrupt appointees or figures are powerful enough to have whatever they want through foul means, mentioned the consciousness of Ghanaians on the matter as one of the surest ways of tackling graft among politicians.

The anti-corruption activist made this statement at an event organized by Crusaders for Change in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, dubbed “The Scarface of Corruption in Ghana: A Nation in a Sinking Ship.”

The programme which brought together other stakeholders focused on examining the crucial issue of corruption that has hampered Ghana’s growth, particularly over the last seven years under the Akuffo-Addo/Bawumia government.

In his speech, Domelevo expressed deep concern over the increasing number of corruption cases across the country and urged the electorate to use their votes as a tool for accountability, ensuring that leaders perceived to be corrupt are not returned to office.

“The generation ahead of us is a very wicked generation. They want to take everything today and what will even come tomorrow. And we must stop it. You have enough knowledge and power to say to our leaders no, enough is enough,” he stated while expressing worry about how corruption among politicians have led to the destruction of forest reserves and river bodies through illegal mining (galamsey).

“…We are in an election year. Let’s say enough is enough for anybody we think is corrupt. Not only at the presidential level but even at the parliamentary level, you know them. Let’s make sure that we stop them in their tracks. Otherwise, you and I have no future.”

He noted that the critical role of citizens in fighting corruption was through the exercise of their franchise, noting that their votes can shape the direction of the country’s leadership.