“We pretend to pay the worker, so the worker pretends to work” — Kufuor Calls for fair remuneration to curb corruption

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has stressed the need for Ghana to confront corruption at its roots by ensuring that workers are paid decent, living wages. According to him, inadequate remuneration pushes many public servants to seek “illicit top-ups” to survive, creating fertile ground for corrupt practices.

Speaking on the state of national productivity, the former President noted that a cycle of low performance has developed over the years because “the state pretends to pay the worker, and the worker also pretends to work.” This, he argued, undermines efficiency and weakens institutions.

Kufuor further emphasised the power of the electorate, stating that when citizens apply their ballots judiciously, it compels leaders to act responsibly, ultimately producing “good politicians” and helping to cleanse the country’s political system.

He also highlighted the critical role of citizens in shaping governance. He said when voters use their ballots wisely, it produces accountable leaders, “good politicians,” and ultimately helps cleanse the political space of poor leadership practices.