Dr. Ishmael Yamson, a well-known Business Management Consultant and the CEO of Ishmael Yamson & Associates, has highlighted the pervasive corruption in Ghana, asserting that its impact is clearly reflected in the country’s financial state.
He emphasized that the nation consistently faces fiscal challenges at the end of each leader’s term, a trend that has persisted since the time of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s inaugural President.
Dr. Yamson, a prominent figure in the private sector known for his significant contributions to business growth, expressed these views in an interview with Joy News’ Evans Mensah.
During an upcoming episode of PM Express on Joy News, Dr. Yamson criticized the alleged vote-buying that occurred during the recent presidential primaries of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to the octogenarian, corruption in Ghana has escalated and continues to grow. He expressed his dismay at how individuals could openly admit to buying votes, suggesting that leadership positions are up for sale to the highest bidder.
Dr. Yamson also voiced his concern about the way vote-buying perpetuates corruption when politicians assume public office. He attributed the problem to the role of political party financing in fostering widespread corruption.
The business icon emphasized that corruption in Ghana is a pressing issue that needs acknowledgment and attention. He criticized the idea that political leaders acquire their positions not based on merit but through financial contributions or bribery.
“Now, when that man or woman has paid all that money to acquire the position, to go to parliament, where is he going to get the money to pay back? I have a clip that I have been showing to people. Someone who has contested parliament and sat in parliament offered to say that yes we paid. My competitors paid, I didn’t pay that much but they paid and I also paid,” he added.
Dr. Yamson noted that allowing others to buy votes will not lead to meaningful change in Ghana, emphasizing the importance of addressing corruption to effect real transformation in the country.
Furthermore, Dr. Ishmael Yamson rated President Akufo-Addo’s anti-corruption efforts at 4 out of 10, expressing disappointment in his ability to combat corruption.
“This country, for as long as we have leaders who have come into office indebted to people and they have to pay them back, Evans I am sorry. I am painting too bleak a picture, but it’s the reality” he told the host.
He commended Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as the only leader who stood against corruption and criticized successive leaders and the current President for their failures in addressing the issue, which has left the country in financial disarray.
Dr. Yamson specifically pointed out President Akufo-Addo’s response to the case involving former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah, stating that the President’s involvement in the matter was unwarranted.
“…Because even if you yourself as an individual have not dipped your hands into the state coffers, what about all your followers and what have you done about them?”
He questioned the President’s trust in individuals implicated in corruption cases and emphasized the need for strong action against corruption.
The interview with Dr. Ishmael Yamson covers various aspects of corruption in Ghana, revealing his concerns and criticisms regarding the issue and its impact on the country’s governance and financial stability.
“My greatest disappointment was when recently we had a case about a Minister who had so much money in her home, and the President said he hoped her integrity would be proven in the end. Why would the President even get involved in this when there are state agencies handling the matter?.”
If you are our leader and you say you trust the person, how do you expect the people following you to go and say the person cannot be trusted; it’s not possible. I don’t think he [President Akufo-Addo] has been able to stamp down corruption in this country; he hasn’t. Because if he has, then all the scandals that come up day after day, why hasn’t he taken firm action to deal with all those things and stop them? Why isn’t any of his people who have been found culpable not in jail?” he asked.