By: Daniel Aforo
For many years, the World Bank, IMF and other international donor organizations have complained about corruption on the continent of Africa.
Indeed, the continent has record cases of corruption which have affected politicians, public and civil servants, individuals, religious bodies and pagans like. The canker has called for public criticism from many quarters lambasting their leaders and the inhabitants.
There is an adage in Ghana states that “when a beard of a neighbor is on fire, you have to place water by your side before it transferred on you”. When Mr. Paul Wolfowitz assumed to the august position of the World Bank, he promised not to help countries that are noted for corruption.
It is believed that after taking over the noble job, he vowed to tackle government corruption in some countries receiving aid by bypassing their administration. With this, is on record that he has suspended aid assistance to many countries perceived to be corrupt which have angered some European governments.
Well, did Mr. Wolfowitz know that the canker could also rock him right on the face?. Now, corruption is stinking right under the nose of the capo bringing shame to the entire structure of the Bank. Is important for him and his cohorts to remove the log in their eyes before they remove the speck on the eyes of developing poor.
Currently, Wolfowitz is under pressure for his role he played in arranging a pay hike for his companion Shaha Riza, when he was a US Deputy Defense Secretary. In June 2005, Paul Wolfowitz became the Boss at the World Bank .The bank policy required that his girl friend, Shaha Ali Riza, a bank employee, be transferred to a new job. Mr. Wolfowitz helped arrange for Ms. Riza to move to the State Department with a large salary increase that critics have said was inappropriate.
There is a split decision among the bank officials as some are calling for his resignation others are still in favour for his tenure.
Forty senior former World Bank officials have called on him to give up his up his post claiming “he had lost trust and respect”. In a letter to the Financial Times, it continued that “we believe he can no longer be an effective leader”.
Additionally, officials in Germany, Spain, France, Netherlands and Nordic States have also been signaling they would refuse to approve future donations of loans for some of the world’s developing countries as long as Wolfowitz remain in power, according to the New York Times.
Much as all are waiting for the outcome, it’s important for all those leaving in a glass house not to be casting stones.
The developing poor ought to understand that their destiny is in their own hands, hence political good will, courage, and commitment is a major key that would alleviate them from economic shackles.
Participation by the indigenous is a paramount factor which could help a country. Therefore the need to include people not only from one political divide but all sections rather than giving appointments to cronies, sympathizers, relatives, etc who lack the performing skill and knowledge.
Parading on the IMF, World Bank and other charity institutions are not the medication that could ease the economic pains of poor countries especially Africa.
The writer is a member of the Association of Young Journalists and Writers (AYJW), and social worker.