In a strong critique, Kofi Asare, the Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, has vehemently criticized the persistent trend of politicians acquiring state assets for personal gain.
The renowned educational activist, in expressing dismay at the trend of events, posited that the practice where politicians, especially officials of the incumbent government acquire state properties is very detrimental to the country’s progress and undermines the very essence of public service.
He emphasized that politicians are the managers of the state, hence it is, therefore, wrong for people who are entrusted to serve and protect the public purse, to use their positions to acquire state assets.
“Politicians are the managers of the state. I see everything wrong with politicians and their protons acquiring assets of the very state they begged to serve and protect her purse”.
Kofi Asare, Executive Director of Africa Education Watch
The Executive Director of the education think-tank group further asserted that the practice by which politicians, especially officials of incumbent government acquire state assets is morally and ethically wrong.
He called the practice as unconscionable and detrimental to the country’s interests, emphasizing the urgent need for the country to take immediate measures to address it.
Mr Asare particularly expressed deep concern about the precedent set since 1992, where successive governments have engaged in similar practices to their benefits to the detriment of the country.
Addressing those who defend the acquisition of state assets by politicians on the grounds of historical continuity, Mr Asare questioned the rationale behind defending such actions simply because they have historical precedent, urging a departure from such a cycle of greed.
He emphasized that the mere fact that past governments may have supervised such an unfortunate practice does not make it justifiable for incumbent governments to condone similar practices.
Mr Asare also called out those who, despite supporting such actions under past regimes, now voice opposition, suggesting that their stance may be driven more by current political positioning than genuine concern for public welfare.
He stated “Is it simply because you are in opposition today, and do not stand to benefit from today’s sale?”, challenging the authenticity of their newfound ‘conscience’.
He argued that such individuals, who are currently speaking against the ongoing practice under the current administration may merely bide their time to engage in similar practices when their party returns to power.
A Call for Legislative Reform
The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch in a fervent call to address the situation advocated for the enactment of a law preventing public officials and their networks from purchasing state assets.
He urged the current New Patriotic Party administration under President Akuo-Addo to seize the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by implementing such a measure, thereby breaking the cycle of political greed that is very prevalent under the country’s current democratic and governance regime.
“Nothing stops this NPP government from leaving a legacy of ending this greed with a law preventing public officials and their networks from purchasing state assets”, Mr Asare stated, appealing to the government’s sense of duty and responsibility.
Mr Asare concluded his critique with a touching reminder of the responsibilities of public officers, stating that their actions must build a nation, not the reverse.
He stressed that no nation has ever developed through the self-serving actions of its politicians, therefore if Ghana had not followed this path of self-enrichment, the country would have already achieved full development.
Mr Asare called for a reorientation of political behaviour towards genuine nation-building, rather than the perpetuation of personal gain at the expense of public welfare.
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