An expert in International Relations and a lecturer at the Accra Business School, Dr Ismael Kwabla Hlovor has stated that Ghana often regards the passing of laws and establishing institutions as achievements in themselves.
According to him, while these actions are important steps, the people who implement the laws truly matter in the fight against corruption.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to good governance. He noted that the country’s efforts to enact laws and policies that ensure accountability and protect all citizens under the rule of law are vital.
Dr Hlovor pointed out that Ghana tends to believe that merely enacting laws will resolve underlying issues, particularly in tackling corruption and mismanagement.
He underscored that Ghana’s real challenge in combating corruption lies in effective law enforcement, rather than the mere creation of laws.
Speaking on JoyNews AM Show, Dr Hlovor said, “It is about people who should have the moral courage to actually implement what they believe we stand for because, mind you, all these laws passed and all these institutions are being run by humans, and these human beings must have the right moral norms to be able to run these institutions.”
He noted that the only significant progress Ghana has made is the integration of democratic values into the new educational curriculum.
Dr Hlovor added that unlike in the past when students were caned for being late, children should now be allowed to explain themselves, and their explanations should be sufficient for teachers to allow them to learn.
“Children must be encouraged to always speak the truth. I believe that we do not have the right cultural mindset to run some of the institutions we believe we are running, so we pass the law and find loopholes in the same law to undermine the law we pass to fight corruption,” he added.