Economist, Dr Sam Ankrah, has called for a more transparent and ethical system of governance to build a more equitable and just society.

His call comes in the wake of huge stash of cash said to be stolen from the home of former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

Dr Ankrah lays into the deep-rooted failures within Ghana’s governmental structures that is prompting a wave of concern and condemnation.

According to him, investigating Cecilia Dapaah, brings to light a broader context issues ordinary Ghanaians endure daily, as those in power seem to revel in impunity.

He noted that suspicions surrounding Cecilia Dapaah’s huge cash stash at home demonstrates disregard for the principles she was sworn to uphold.

Dr Ankrah pointed out that as a prominent figure in the government, she was entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding public funds and resources.

According to him, the discovery of such vast sums of money in her home raises serious questions about her ability to provide sound reasoning in her role as a Minister, let alone the source of such wealth.

He lamented the burdens of exorbitant taxes, unfair levies, uncontrolled rents, and inflated food prices collectively contribute to an overwhelming struggle for the average citizen to make ends meet.

He said that while the ruling elite indulge in luxurious lifestyles, propelled by the perks of power, many Ghanaians are left grappling with the harsh realities of economic disparity and unfulfilled dreams.

Dr Ankrah recounted that Ghanaians feel the burden of taxes and levies acutely in almost every aspect of life.

He averred that despite their hard work and dedication, Ghanaians find themselves navigating a labyrinth of tax regulations that often seem to favor the wealthy and privileged.

He pointed out that the regressive nature of some taxes disproportionately affects low-income individuals and exacerbates the wealth gap.

He also noted that the lack of transparent allocation of tax revenues leaves citizens questioning whether their hard-earned money is being utilized for the betterment of society or disappearing into the pockets of some corrupt officials.

Dr Ankrah also stated that uncontrolled rents and housing inequality, unfair food prices, transportation struggles, the luxury of the ruling elite and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) conundrum often perpetuates a cycle of theft and corruption burdens the ordinary Ghanaian daily.

According to him, the larger issue at play is the lack of accountability and transparency within Ghana’s governmental structures.

He decried that corruption allegations often go unanswered, investigations remain inconclusive, and culprits often escape the clutches of justice.

The public’s trust in the government erodes when those responsible for upholding the law seem above it themselves, he submitted.

Dr Ankrah therefore called on Ghanaians to demand an unbiased investigation in the issues surrounding Cecilia Dapaah.

He said that no individual, regardless of their political affiliations, should be shielded from scrutiny when they betray the public’s trust.

“This incident should serve as a wake-up call for the government to re-evaluate its systems and institute reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and ethical governance,” he noted.

He also urged Ghanaians to hold their representatives accountable and demand that they act in the best interest of the nation.

The Economist stated that by promoting ethical values and raising awareness about the consequences of corruption, Ghana can pave the way towards a brighter and more just future.

Dr. Ankrah said that the issue should not be an isolated incident, but rather a catalyst for addressing the larger issue of unchecked thievery that ordinary Ghanaians face daily.

“The country must embark on a journey of reform, promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical governance to build a more equitable and just society.”

“Only by fostering a sense of collective responsibility and empowering the people can Ghana overcome its challenges and embrace a brighter future for generations to come,” he concluded.