Former President of Malawi Joyce Banda is calling on African leaders to eschew corrupt practices and instead commit their political lives to serving their countries.
The former first female president of Malawi argues that African leaders “have become corrupt and enablers of corruption, fraud, and social vices,” a development she fears impedes socio-economic growth in Africa.
Below is an excerpt of her statement during a lecture at Ghana’s Cape Coast University to mark the 4th anniversary of late-President John Evans Atta Mills:
“Political corruption arising from the failure of embracing the principles and tendency of moral and servant leadership are cited by many vehement scholars and experts as a major impediment to social economic development and attainment of fair, just, and progressive society. As ethical conduct guided by moral principles, righteousness, selflessness, and personal integrity gives legitimacy and credibility.”
The concerns raised by Banda follows the African Union‘s advisory board worry over the “dubious and poorly negotiated oil deals between African governments and multinational corporations.”
Chairperson of the AU anti-corruption body Daniel Batidam argues that African governments are intentionally sidelining the funding of anti-corruption programs, a development he says remains the reason for continued corruption on the continent.
Meanwhile, African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina estimates that Africa loses $148 billion to corruption every year.
