General News of Monday, 15 May 2017

Source: yen.com.gh

Africa doesn't hold a monopoly on corruption - Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama Former President John Dramani Mahama

Former president Mahama has debunked the common misconception that Africa holds a monopoly when it comes to corruption, a tag which he finds humiliating.

‘‘I reject that tag of trying to humiliate African countries with the tag of corruption. Corruption is a problem all across the world, even in the developed world. And so all of us must partner to continue to fight it."

Former president Mahama was speaking in an exclusive interview with Africa News on the sidelines of a World Economic Forum on Africa held in Durban, South Africa.

According to Ghana's former head of state, corruption is a global cancer that requires a concerted effort in order to prevent or root it out.

‘‘...it is not the prosecution of people that shows that the fight is going on. It is the systems we put in place to prevent corruption that are important,’' he continued.

President Mahama further related that other than fighting to root out corruption, African countries should endeavor to develop a more inclusive form of economic growth in order for them to protect their most vulnerable citizens.

"Yes, the fight against corruption must continue but at the same time we must make efforts to achieve inclusive growth, they are not exclusive of each other," he added.

Former president Mahama also defended his legacy, adding that it was now up to the current administration to continue his government's projects since government was a continuum.