Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, has appealed to Ghanaians to desist from frustrating potential investors with demands for kickbacks, warning that such practices undermine the country’s attractiveness as a business destination.
Speaking on Face to Face on Channel One TV on Tuesday, September 23, Ambassador Smith stressed the importance of creating a corruption-free environment that encourages 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 has not even started,” he urged.
Recounting his personal experience as a former Regional Minister, he recalled how a Chief Director once attempted to pressure him into signing a document without due diligence.
“I said I have not seen it, so I cannot sign it. But he said he has looked at it and thinks it is okay. I told him you cannot coerce me to sign it,” he recounted.
While emphasizing that not all civil servants or politicians engage in such acts, Ambassador Smith cautioned that the misconduct of a few could tarnish Ghana’s reputation and drive away potential investors.
“These are some of the things civil servants do… some of them hide and engage in such practices. Not all of them, not all politicians. But in general, my appeal is that Ghanaians should avoid actions that drive businesses away,” he said.
