In a thought-provoking edition of the Research and Innovation Agenda on Radio Univers, host Dr. (Alhaji) Abubakar Siddique Ahmed engaged Professor Justice Nyigmah Bawole, dean of the University of Ghana Business School, in a wide-ranging discussion centered on his recent inaugural lecture titled, “Our Corruption, Our Ethics, Our Public Administration: Wicked Citizens, Wicked Problems and Stagnating Development.” The interview served as a platform to critically examine the ethical dilemmas and corruption challenges facing Ghanaian society today
Throughout the conversation, Professor Bawole stressed the need to revisit indigenous ethics and confront societal disconnection. He called for collective introspection, noting that today’s challenges require courageous leadership and a reimagining of institutional integrity.
The Concept of Collectivism and the Theory of Two Publics
A key element of Professor Bawole’s lecture was his exploration of collectivism, a cultural framework that shapes many African societies, including Ghana. He explained that collectivism fosters a sense of community in which individual actions are intertwined with the group’s identity.
He also referenced the theory of two publics, articulated by Nigerian scholar Professor Peter Ekeh. This theory suggests that individuals act differently in the primordial public—where cultural accountability is strong—compared to the civic public, where institutional rules feel less binding. This duality, Bawole argued, enables people to justify unethical behavior in public institutions, contributing to a cycle of corruption that hinders national development.
Unveiling the Ethical Crisis
Professor Bawole began the dialogue by tracing Ghana’s development stagnation to a deep-rooted ethical crisis not merely poor policy decisions. He emphasized that corruption in Ghana is systemic and co-authored by both the state and its citizens. “We are not victims; we are perpetrators,” he said, urging listeners to reflect on their role in perpetuating the problem.
He explained that the title of his lecture ” Our Corruption, Our Ethics, Our Public Administration” was crafted to prompt personal reflection and national dialogue. It invites individuals to consider how they contribute to the country’s ethical challenges.
The Concept of Wicked Problems
A central theme of the lecture was the idea of “wicked problems” complex societal issues with no simple solutions. According to Professor Bawole, corruption is one such problem, deeply embedded in everyday interactions. Many citizens, he argued, participate in corruption because they believe they are only following the example of those in leadership.
Dr. Ahmed and Professor Bawole also discussed the wide-reaching impact of ethical decay across public administration, education, and healthcare. Professor Bawole cited real-world examples, including preventable deaths caused by a lack of ambulances and medical supplies due to corruption and mismanagement.
To address these entrenched issues, Professor Bawole proposed a three-part agenda for moral renewal:
- Civic reeducation: Begin moral education early to build a strong ethical foundation among children.
- Celebration of good leadership: Highlight ethical role models to inspire positive behavior.
- Mandatory ethics training: Embed ethics education into academic curricula to prepare future leaders.
A Personal Commitment to Ethical Leadership
Professor Bawole underscored his personal commitment to integrity by revealing that, since becoming dean, he has declined gifts in his official capacity. “I want to set a precedent for ethical leadership,” he said.
To further this goal, he plans to launch ethics clubs in schools, partner with media outlets to spotlight positive examples, and support educational initiatives aimed at instilling strong values in young people.
A Call to Action
Professor Bawole warned of the normalization of unethical behavior among young people and urged a united response from government, academia, and civil society. “No one will solve this problem for us but us,” he said.
He called on the media—including the Research and Innovation Agenda—to play a vital role in sustaining national ethical dialogue and celebrating integrity.
Conclusion
As listeners reflected on the conversation, it became evident that the discussion was more than an academic exercise—it was a rallying cry for moral awakening. Professor Bawole’s insights are a reminder that Ghana’s progress depends not only on policy but on the ethical evolution of its people.
The Research and Innovation Agenda continues to serve as a platform for such transformative discourse, blending African wisdom with global insight. With ethical renewal now a matter of urgency, Ghanaians are called to take individual and collective action toward restoring the nation’s moral compass.
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Story by Barbara Balangtaa|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
