The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Mr Charles Abani, has indicated that about $2.6 trillion is lost to corruption annually in the world.
Speaking at the International Anti-Corruption Day celebration held by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in Accra, the UN Resident Coordinator noted that corruption had not only been known as immoral but a serious crime which betrayed people and democracy.
“Corruption undermines democratic stability and social justice. It is one reason for the overthrow of Governments in the region namely, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Mali. Corruption steals trillions of dollars all over the world and its tapped resources of states.”
Mr Abani noted that if people were unable to access basic amenities such as education, and potable water among others, through tapping of money, then that country would be in a serious state.
According to him, corrupt practices also inhibited peace practices, undermined the rule of law, worsened poverty and facilitated illicit use of resources, providing arms for arms conflicts.
He said in Ghana one of the most damaging aspects of the environment that is the upsurge of galamsey, which could be partly fueled by corruption.
He said under sustainable development Goal 16 and the UN’s Convention Action Against Corruption (UNCAC), Ghana was obligated to conduct studies on corruption and make regular scientific findings and implement measures to curb corruption.
The UN Resident Coordinator said to achieve SDG 16, Ghana needed an estimated 50 billion dollars a year to achieve the SDG goals between now and 2030.
He said with serious liquidity issues facing Ghana due to the macroeconomic challenges, addressing corruption was very necessary.
He said tackling corruption should involve all persons and institutions to do away with its negative consequences.
He recalled that Ghana had maintained its ranking on the Global Corruption Index in the year 2021, adding that, a Global Corruption Barometer report had it that 33 per cent of Ghanaians thought corruption increased in the past 12 months and 33 per cent of Public Services users paid bribes.
The UN Resident said, “today, corruption has filled all aspects of society, the public, private, economic, social and environmental hence the anti-corruption messages must cut across all sectors.”
Mr Abani however commended the Government, other equity groups and National Anti-Corruption Agencies in their fight against corruption.
“These efforts of these groups are in line with SDG 17 on partnerships. Indeed, the government cannot succeed in this fight alone.”
He also lauded the Government for the Beneficial Ownership Register, saying the register was key to transparency and the work of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) in Ghana.
