Presidential candidate of the Begin Ghana Party, Edward Ohene Kyei, has proposed the death penalty as a drastic measure to combat corruption in Ghana.
He argued that just as the death penalty has been utilized for treasonable offenses, it should also be employed as a deterrent against corruption.
Mr Kyei emphasized that Ghanaians naturally fear death, and the prospect of facing such severe consequences would dissuade individuals from engaging in corrupt activities.
During an exclusive interview with Dr. Ren on Rainbow Radio 92.4FM in the United Kingdom, he asserted that corruption is rampant in Ghana due to the absence of stringent laws to deter it.
Mr Kyei pledged to organize a referendum to persuade Ghanaians to vote in favor of implementing the death penalty for all corrupt officials.
He stated, “Our leaders are visionless and lack the natural love to help Ghana develop. We lack incorruptible leaders, which is why I will urge Ghana’s youth to rise and fight to protect our country from corrupt leaders.
“We have used the death penalty to combat treason, and we can take the same approach to dealing with corruption. Ghanaians and humans are particularly afraid of death, so we must sentence all corrupt officials to death,” he added.
Before imposing the death penalty, he proposed that all assets acquired through corrupt means would be confiscated and sold, with the proceeds directed towards Ghana’s development.
Mr Kyei further criticized Ghanaian politicians, alleging a lack of genuine patriotism and commitment to the nation’s welfare. He highlighted the need for policies promoting job creation, economic growth, healthcare expansion, decentralization, and business development.
In some countries, like China and North Korea, public officials have been executed or may face death for corruption and other related crimes like bribery.
In 2011, China sentenced to capital punishment Xu Maiyong, former vice mayor of Hangzhou City, and Jiang Renjie, vice mayor of Suzhou City in 2011. The officials were found guilty of bribery amounting to $50 million.