Tema-Ghana, Nov. 8, MNN – Distorted pay structure within the public space has created a fertile ground for corruption to thrive; Mr. Emmanuel Wilson Junior, Chief Crusader of Crusaders Against Corruption has stated.
Mr. Wilson, therefore, called for a review of the salary structures of public and civil servants to reduce corruption, though not justifiable the poor pay levels of government workers fuels the impetus to get corrupt, “the government must deal with the payment issues”.
“Underpaid staff develops a wide range of coping strategies to top up incomes sometimes through corrupt practices,” Mr Wilson stated at a forum organized by the Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Office which is a platform rolled out for state and non-state actors to address national issues on the topic: “Is the fight against corruption a mirage or reality?
The engagement also serves as a motivational mechanism to recognize the editorial contribution of reporters towards national development in general and the growth and promotion of the Tema GNA as the industrial news hub.
Chief Crusader said, “If you want corruption not to breed you must also create a fairground and environment for it not to, the distorted pay structure within the public space has created a fertile ground for corruption to thrive, we must deal with it now”.
Mr. Wilson said many workers have contributed to the development of the country for years but had not accomplished enough even to cater for their needs after retirement.
“It is now becoming a slogan for some public and civil servants that if you want to get rich join the corruption wagon as the pay alone cannot take you home.
“As a result, some government workers use their power to get those with money to part with it before they perform their basic task, some are now extortion money from clients you either pay or your services will not be delivered on time,” he indicated.
He explained that in the fight against corruption, every citizen must personally offer some form of sacrifice especially when the country was facing a crisis “but that does not mean, that we build an imbalanced economic environment that will force people to pursue their selfish interests.
“The government in ensuring that we have some level of anti-corruption immunize society must ensure that our salary structure is structured so we’ll such that we give fairly to everyone,” Mr. Wilson Junior stated.
Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Manager said “Research shows that low government wages in developing countries result in a decline in public sector efficiency and productivity and create incentives and opportunities for corruption and misuse of public resources”.
