Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, has issued a stark warning about the corrosive effects of corruption in Ghana’s public institutions, describing it as “pervasive” and a direct threat to the nation’s sovereignty. 

Speaking today at the Graphic National Development Series, Sir Sam criticised the deep-rooted culture of corruption in Ghana, stating that it has become so ingrained that those who reject it are often viewed as social misfits.

“Many Ghanaians view corruption as an intrinsic part of the culture,” he said, recounting the experience of a friend, an academic who entered politics with integrity but was soon labelled as “unfortunately unbusinesslike” — a euphemism for his refusal to engage in corrupt practices. 

Sir Sam lamented that when public office is seen as a path to personal wealth rather than public service, it compromises the nation’s values and threatens its stability.

Explaining further, he noted that the “business-minded” politician is someone who treats every policy as an opportunity for self-enrichment, focusing on amassing wealth for themselves and their associates instead of serving the national interest. This, he argued, diminishes the role of public institutions and undercuts their duty to the people.

Sir Sam also expressed concern over the diminishing integrity within Ghana’s legislative body. “When even the legislature, which should embody the principles of law, ethics, and virtue, shows signs of malice, the people’s hope and confidence plummet,” he observed, pointing to the erosion of trust in institutions meant to uphold transparency and justice.

Touching on Ghana’s broader challenges, he added, “We are confronted with issues that go to the heart of our challenges: economic decline, corruption, environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, and the erosion of patriotism. Amidst all of these, we live in an emerging culture that prioritises personal gain over collective well-being.”