James Klutse Avedzi, former Chairman of Ghana’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), has called for tougher legal actions against corrupt officials, saying the simple recovery of stolen funds is insufficient.

In an interview on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition last Thursday, Mr.Avedzi, who is also the current Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, stressed that while retrieving misappropriated public money is important, it should not absolve individuals of punishment.

“It’s good that we recover the money, but focusing only on that is not enough,” he said, adding that offenders should face stricter penalties to deter future corruption.

Mr.Avedzi highlighted a disturbing scenario where individuals who steal large sums from the government, profit from it, and then return the original amount, escape without further consequences.

“Someone takes $10 million of government money, trades with it, makes an additional $5 million, and then returns the original $10 million. What about the $5 million profit?” Avedzi questioned.

He argued that corruption should not be treated as a mere financial transaction where wrongdoers are allowed to repay what they have stolen and walk free.

“We must ensure that people who steal from the state are punished accordingly. Otherwise, it encourages impunity,” he warned.

Mr.Avedzi’s comments come amid growing calls for stricter legal actions against public officials implicated in the Auditor General’s reports for financial mismanagement. Critics argue that without meaningful penalties, a culture of corruption will continue to thrive in Ghana’s public sector.

Mr.Avedzi’s stance is clear: while the recovery of stolen funds is vital, it must be accompanied by strong legal consequences to ensure that public officials who misappropriate state resources face the full force of the law.

Source:TheDotNews