Sunyani: International anti-corruption advocate, Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu, stated on Monday that the fight against corruption should not be viewed as a political witch-hunt but as a necessary effort to protect the public purse and build a better society. He advised government appointees and ministers to avoid abusing political power and praised the government for prosecuting public officials accused of office abuse.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ahenu emphasized that the experiences of former ministers and public office holders should serve as a warning to those serving under President John Dramani Mahama's administration, reminding them of their future accountability. In an interview in Sunyani, he commended President Mahama's administration for efforts to curb corruption and prosecute alleged corrupt officials.

Mr. Ahenu, also the Founder and CEO of the Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), highlighted the need for a proactive approach to fighting corruption by addressing the culture of impunity and responsibility among public officials. He stressed that public office is a sacred trust, not an opportunity for personal enrichment, and reiterated that current ministers and appointees must learn from ongoing developments.

Despite the nation's resources, Mr. Ahenu noted that many families live in poverty, struggling to afford basic meals, attributing this to rising corruption, a significant issue in developing countries and Africa. He urged public officials to perform their duties with integrity and responsibility, emphasizing that the era of unpunished abuse of public office is over.

Mr. Ahenu affirmed GloMeF's support for the government's anti-corruption efforts and called on civil society and the media to assist in combating corruption to build a better society. He advised that holding public officers accountable should not wait until they leave office, as this could hinder development. He reiterated that fighting corruption is not a political witch hunt but a crucial endeavor to protect public interests.