What is a fact that people behind this organized venture are such that they know every bit of the system especially where to hit. This makes it a duty to fight against this menace. It doesn’t only tend to weaken the economy of nations, but it also gives rise to lawlessness and other criminal activities.
Therefore, this menace is a cankerworm that needs to be uprooted in any group, society or country. Corruption exists in all spheres but most involved officials are in authority.
It is also said that it may be more noticeable in poor countries and dictatorships. However, the cost of corruption is difficult to assess because it occurs between individuals or group of people in the greatest secrecy.
Earlier on, President Adama Barrow, while addressing the newly appointed cabinet, vowed to take a firm stance on corruption.
We believe that to end corruption, there is a need for all stakeholders to collaborate and share information.
This also reminds us about the importance of the anti-corruption bill which seeks to monitor mismanagement of public funds and all forms of corruption.
We therefore encourage all not to keep mute wherever this ugly practice has surfaced. It is high time people start acting as whistleblowers as this growing phenomenon is threatening our democracy.
Government should also prosecute all those found wanting in corruption. This will serve as a deterrent especially those who would want to venture into it. But, failure to prosecute those involved would only promote, thereby encouraging others to venture into it.
Also, financial institutions should raise the alarm to ensure that corrupt individuals have nowhere to hide their ill-gotten wealth by seizing assets and freezing bank accounts held both locally and abroad.
It is really disheartening to state here that the manner and way in which this menace has blossomed in the country in the post-Jammeh era is just alarming.
Nowadays, hardly a week has passed without hearing of major scandals in government ministries, departments and state parastatals. This is a big betrayal to the people of this country.
We cannot sit and look at some few government individuals squandering state millions just for their selfish enrichment. We all have a stake in these millions.
Until then, this dreadful misconduct involving top civil servants will continue to thrive and become a complicated issue to handle. It is high time the government wage war on corruption.
Even though there are many reasons why corruption is growing, the low wages of civil servants should not be an excuse for people to be involved in corruption.
Let’s fight to minimize or even uproot corruption in The Gambia.