Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has highlighted poor remuneration in public institutions as a significant driver of corruption in Ghana, urging policymakers to address this issue as part of much-needed governance reforms. He stressed that inadequate salaries for public officials often lead to unethical practices, as individuals seek ways to supplement their incomes.
In an interview with JoyNews, Kufuor emphasized that while advancements in science and technology have greatly benefited society, they have also provided new avenues for corruption. He pointed out that some individuals misuse their intellectual capabilities and technical knowledge for personal gain, rather than using them to serve the public good.
“While technology continues to evolve, it also enables more sophisticated forms of corruption,” Kufuor said. “Those who are bright and capable may not always choose to use their brilliance for fair and just purposes. The deepening complexity of corrupt practices is a direct result of both poor pay and evolving technology.”
He called on the government to enhance systems that detect and prevent corruption, warning that without continuous improvement in safeguards, individuals will continue to exploit gaps in the system. Kufuor urged the government to confront the issue of inadequate public sector salaries, which he believes are a major contributing factor to the nation’s corruption problem.
