Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, has appealed to Ghanaians to refrain from frustrating investors with demands for kickbacks, warning that such practices discourage foreign direct investment and harm the country’s economic prospects.
Speaking on Face to Face on Channel One TV on Tuesday, September 23, Ambassador Smith stressed the need to create a business-friendly environment that assures investors of transparency and fairness.
“I will appeal to Ghanaians, don’t frustrate investors when we bring them. Don’t ask them for kickbacks when the business has not even started,” he urged.
Read Also: GNFS Recovers Lifeless Baby from Toilet Pit in Suhum
Sharing a personal experience from his time as a Regional Minister, Mr. Smith recalled an incident where a Chief Director attempted to pressure him into signing a document without due diligence.
“I told him I had not seen it, so I could not sign. But he insisted he had reviewed it and it was fine. I said you cannot coerce me to sign,” he recounted.
The Ambassador cautioned that while many civil servants and politicians act with integrity, the misconduct of a few has the potential to damage Ghana’s reputation as an investment destination.
“These are some of the things civil servants do—some hide and engage in such practices. Not all of them, not all politicians. So I am appealing to Ghanaians in general: please don’t do things that will drive businesses away from us,” he stressed.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem