The United States Ambassador to Ghana Robert P. Jackson has said that over $80 million worth of medical supplies that were destroyed in the fire that engulfed the Central Medical Stores had about $7 millions worth of medical aid from the American People.
He was speaking at the launch of a survey report titled “Corruption is Eating us up: A Call to Action,” in Accra.
Jackson said the his country’s medical aid to Ghana has been hindered by the fire that razed down the Central Medical Stores (CMS) in 2015.
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“This pervasive corruption directly impacts some of the areas that are most critical to Ghana’s growth and development.”
“Corruption kills and robs. When a medical practitioner fails to appear at the government clinic to be at the private clinic, those dependent on the government clinic suffer. When a teacher demands sexual favours to award better grade, he is committing a crime. When one has to wait weeks for a passport or a driving licence, one’s income can be affected. These are all forms of corruption or mismanagement or both,” he added.
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In 2015, the Tema Central Medical Stores was razed down. Many suspected arson. Many suggested that it was deliberately done to cover up for some corrupt activities by certain officials.
Ambassador Jackson was, however, happy the government is putting enough efforts to make corruption unattractive and also putting in measures to strengthen transparency.
