'Corruption must be assassinated' – Citizen Kofi calls for radical reset in Ghana's fight against graft

Ghanaian businessman Dr Kofi Amoah, popularly known as Citizen Kofi Ghanaian businessman Dr Kofi Amoah, popularly known as Citizen Kofi, has called for a major rethink of how corruption is investigated and punished, warning that weak enforcement could make graft an attractive route to wealth and social status. His comments come as Ghana seeks to expand domestic production, build competitive indigenous businesses and reduce its reliance on exporting raw materials while importing finished products. Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson recently called for an end to the practice, saying: 'We export cocoa but import chocolate. We export bauxite but import aluminium products. This cycle must end!' Dr Amoah agrees that Ghana needs to build productive capacity and develop strong enterprises, including through strategic state participation. However, he believes such efforts will remain vulnerable unless corruption is tackled decisively. State enterprises and corruption In a post on his official X account, Dr Amoah said properly managed state-owned enterprises could contribute significantly to national development. 'Any project properly analyzed, funded without taints of corruption, staffed with competent, patriotic and non-partisan technocrats and state-owned is music to my ears,' he said. He argued that state participation in strategic sectors should not automatically be viewed as incompatible with capitalism. 'The notion that State Enterprises must be anathema to progress is a propaganda from the West that they themselves have now jettisoned,' he said. However, he acknowledged the risks involved when large amounts of public funds are placed under the control of a few officials. 'In going the State Enterprises route for progress, enormous financial power shall be trusted into the hands of some few people and if these few decide to go the corrupt way for their selfish interests, the whole country will be the loser and our dreams for success shall die again,' he said. Dr Amoah said poor remuneration for some public officials could also contribute to the problem, particularly where individuals have significant responsibility over large public resources. He argued that corruption becomes attractive when officials can potentially make large sums through illicit means while believing the chances of detection and meaningful punishment are low. 'Corruption pays, integrity sucks' According to Dr Amoah, this dynamic can gradually become embedded in society, particularly when unexplained wealth and extravagant lifestyles are treated as signs of success. He described the resulting mindset bluntly: 'Corruption pays, integrity sucks.' He warned that when such an attitude becomes normalised, 'the poverty train gets refueled.' Dr Amoah also argued that corruption can have consequences beyond financial losses, particularly when diverted public funds affect essential services. 'Death by any cause is death,' he said, arguing that corruption involving resources meant for hospitals, schools, roads and other public services can put lives at risk. Tougher enforcement Dr Amoah called for an institution capable of investigating and prosecuting corruption without political interference, regardless of the political affiliation of suspects. He referenced Ghana's past 'Justify-Your-Lifestyle' approach and acknowledged concerns over excesses associated with it. However, he questioned whether the current system is sufficiently effective when allegations involving substantial unexplained wealth do not always result in convictions. He said ineffective or selective prosecution could create the perception that political connections, money and legal manoeuvring can defeat accountability. The businessman also warned that widespread corruption could fuel public frustration and eventually create conditions for social instability. He wants Ghana to build a culture where corruption is rejected, integrity is rewarded and punishment is sufficiently certain and severe to deter potential offenders. His central message was captured in his declaration: 'Corruption must be assassinated in all forms and by any means necessary!' Dr Amoah appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to make the fight against corruption a central part of the government's RESET agenda, particularly if state-owned enterprises are to drive national development. He said Ghana cannot build competitive industries, transform its natural resources or create sustainable prosperity if resources meant for development continue to be diverted through corruption.