Former Ghanaian president, Jerry Rawlings, has advocated swearing by traditional deities as an effective way of curbing pervasive corruption among African political leaders.
Rawlings spoke during a courtesy call on him by a group of actors, including renowned Nigerian actor, Pete Edochie, who are working on a film production based on corruption, in Ghana.
The former president noted that people are getting away with massive corruption because they are not compelled to conform to traditional religious authority.
“We swear by the Bible and the Koran and lie but dare not with our local traditional deities. We are destroying the fabric of our society. This is not good enough,” Rawlings stated.
He also absolved President Muhammadu Buhari of blame for the current economic recession in Nigeria.
He said rather than blame Buhari, we should be blaming the extent and depth to which corruption had gripped Nigeria.
“It is unfortunate that the cost of living appears to be suffocating the people. So while some are praying for his (Buhari’s) health, some are praying he wouldn’t come back,” Rawlings noted in reference to President Buhari’s presence in the UK for medical treatment.
“But I guess you need a creative team that would know how to resolve the economic situation of the country without possibly undermining the cost of living of the people,” he added.
Rawlings commended the production of the movie which has been titled ‘Greedy Bastards’ for its important and valuable theme.
“I must congratulate you for what you’re trying to do. Let’s use some of these movies effectively. People are distorting historical truths all the time. When you find yourselves at the centre of human endeavours like I have, truth must be sacrosanct,” he told the visitors.
Rawlings (right) and Edoche exchanging traditional greetings during a visit. 