Co-Chair of the Citizen Movement Against Corruption, Edem Senanu, has welcomed the conviction of six individuals in a payroll corruption scandal uncovered by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), describing it as a step in the right direction.
Speaking on ABC Midday News, Senanu stated that “getting cases completed and ruling in favour is good,” adding that it also serves as notice to others “that they are going to be arrested” if they engage in similar acts.
He stressed the importance of consistent law enforcement to deter corruption, noting, “the more we enforce the law, people are less likely to embark on these acts.”
Reacting to the broader issue of corruption, Senanu lamented the significant financial losses the country incurs due to systemic fraud and poor accountability.
“We need to put up a measure to cease this trend of corruption,” he said, pointing out that Ghana loses about GH¢3 billion annually to such practices.
He urged the adoption of stringent anti-corruption strategies and called on the public and institutions to take responsibility in reversing the trend. “We might make a progress,” he added, emphasizing that stronger institutional action is key to reducing public sector corruption.
Commenting on the recent “Dollar Gift Saga,” the anti-corruption advocate said public officers must always act with a sense of modesty, even when no specific law or policy is breached.
“We expect our public officers to act with modesty,” he stated, stressing that being cautious and measured in conduct is essential to maintaining public trust.
His comments come in the wake of the OSP’s announcement of six convictions and the recovery of GH¢106,000 from a payroll fraud case involving ghost names in the Ghana Education Service.