Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, has called on Ghanaians to refrain from demanding kickbacks or engaging in corrupt practices that frustrate potential investors.
Ambassador Smith stressed the importance of creating a corruption-free, investor-friendly environment to attract and retain foreign direct investment.
“I will appeal to Ghanaians — don’t frustrate investors when we bring them. Don’t ask them for kickbacks when the business hasn’t even started,” he said.
He warned that such unethical behavior not only deters serious investors but also hinders the country’s economic development and global competitiveness.
Recalling a personal experience from his tenure as a Regional Minister, Ambassador Smith recounted how a Chief Director once attempted to pressure him into signing a document without reviewing it:
“I’ve worked as a regional minister before. A Chief Director came to me, trying to get me to sign someone’s documents. I told him I hadn’t reviewed them, so I couldn’t sign. He insisted it was fine, but I said, ‘You cannot coerce me to sign it.’”
He acknowledged that while not all public officials are guilty of such conduct, the actions of a few can severely damage the country’s reputation as a safe and trustworthy destination for investment.
“Some civil servants and politicians engage in this, but not all. That’s why I’m appealing to Ghanaians — let’s avoid actions that drive away businesses,” he added.
Ambassador Smith’s comments come at a time when Ghana is seeking to boost investor confidence and improve its standing in global economic rankings.
