Citizens must hold leaders accountable for national wealth, says Kufuor

At the Media General Dialogues on Lifestyle Audit held in Accra on Monday, November 24, former President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor, emphasized the need for accountability among individuals entrusted with the nation’s wealth. He stressed that leaders must be held responsible for how resources are utilized, warning that citizens also share the blame if they fail to demand accountability.

He remarked:

“The trustee must be accountable. If we do not get our leaders to account and they get away with the loot, you should also blame yourself.”

Addressing the broader issue of corruption, Kufuor expressed concern that it has permeated nearly every aspect of daily life in Ghana. He lamented that institutions of learning and thought appear disengaged, failing to critically analyze the challenges facing the country.

Turning to the subject of lifestyle audits, the former president cautioned against possible misuse of the initiative. He feared that such audits could be manipulated to target political opponents rather than serve the public interest.

He explained:

“Lifestyle audit, we have to be careful…The lifestyle, if you link it to criminality, then do the investigations…probe to establish that this man has gotten there unlawfully before I say he is a thief deserving to be in prison.”