Dean of the University of Ghana Business School, Professor Justice Nyigmah Bawole, has cautioned against accepting seemingly harmless “gifts,” warning that such favours can gradually erode public trust and derail national development.
Speaking on the the Research and Innovation Agenda on Radio Univers on Wednesday, July 16, Bawole emphasised that these acts, often disguised as gestures of appreciation, are strategically designed to benefit specific individuals or entities, ultimately distorting fairness and compromising public service delivery.
“I don’t accept gifts, presents, or anything of the sort in my official capacity,” he said. “If I do, it may influence my professional output in the long run. These small acts of gratitude can escalate into major setbacks to national development due to the long-term expectations attached by the giver.”
Bawole also advocated for the institutionalisation of moral audits as a proactive measure to promote ethical integrity in both public service and higher education.
“There is an urgent need to institutionalise moral audits as a tool for reinforcing ethical values in students. Being a professional isn’t just about academic excellence—it also requires a strong foundation in moral and ethical conduct,” he noted.
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Story by Felix Opoku Agyapong|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
