Listeners who joined discussions on Luv FM in Kumasi shared experiences of alleged corruption across several sectors, including public institutions, revenue and regulatory agencies whose actions they say are crippling small businesses and undermining public trust. According to the latest findings by the Ghana Statistical Service, public officials solicited unofficial payments from nearly seven out of every ten people who encountered bribery situations during the second half of 2025.
Bribery and Extortion in the Ashanti Region
Small business operators who spoke during the discussions described what they called a culture of intimidation. They alleged that some officials threaten to close down businesses and impose questionable tax assessments based on gross sales rather than profits. These practices, they claimed, are discouraging entrepreneurship, shrinking already struggling businesses, and deepening public mistrust in state institutions.
The Prevalence of Bribery in Ghana
According to the callers, officials demand hefty bribes running into tens of thousands of cedis before offering relief or approvals. This is not just limited to small business owners; many residents of the Ashanti Region also shared their experiences of alleged corruption. They described how some officials allegedly solicit unofficial payments, creating a culture of fear and mistrust.
The Consequences of Corruption in the Ashanti Region
The consequences of corruption in the Ashanti Region are far-reaching. Small businesses are struggling to stay afloat, and many have been forced to close down due to the alleged extortion and intimidation by public officials. This has resulted in a significant loss of revenue for the region, further exacerbating the economic challenges faced by its residents.
A Cry for Help from the People
Residents of the Ashanti Region are crying out for help, urging the government to take immediate action to address the issue of corruption in the region. They are calling for stricter measures to be put in place to prevent public officials from soliciting unofficial payments. The people are also demanding greater transparency and accountability from the government, so that they can trust the institutions that are meant to serve them.
The people of the Ashanti Region are not alone in their fight against corruption. Ghana as a whole is struggling to address the issue of corruption, which has been a major obstacle to development and progress. The government has acknowledged the problem and has made several promises to address it, but so far, little has been done to stop the culture of bribery and extortion that has taken hold in the region. As the people of the Ashanti Region continue to cry out for help, it remains to be seen whether the government will take concrete action to address the issue of corruption and restore public trust in state institutions.
Source: Joy Online
