THE KINSHIP SYSTEM AND CORRUPTION IN THE WA MUNICIPALITY, GHANA

Abstract

This study investigates whether the Ghanaian kinship system does have any contribution to the corruption canker that is fast eating up the moral, social and economic fibre of the country. An observation of the literature on corruption shows an apparent neglect of the culture dimension, specifically, the kinship system, as a potential contributor to corruption. The study predominantly relied on the use of qualitative case study methodology together with other methods such as structured, semi structured and unstructured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. This ensured that the complex issue of corruption is explored under a variety of lenses to unravel its true identity. A total or ninety [90] respondents selected across public sector institutions were covered in the investigation. It has been established that kinship ties and obligations are indispensable. People are more prepared to 'rob' the public purse to cover 'family shame', hence the incidence of corruption. Besides peoples' view of what constitute corruption is both narrow and misplaced: while attention is limited to the white and civil level corruption, the everyday manifestation corruption, the most cancerous of all, is over Looked. It was further revealed that the people have turned a blind eye to cultural practices such as gift-giving and reciprocity which has crept into public offices contributing to the corruption canker. Nonetheless, there is still hope in the corruption fight. Culture which is imbued with norms, values and practices which are detrimental to development only need to be worked upon with much education and sensitization.