Corruption: Are We All Guilty Or Innocent?

Every now and then, when we as concerned citizens gather to talk about Ghana's current state of affairs, together with the issues affecting our beloved country, the very first question which comes in mind is always about; How do we eradicate corruption, or similar acts of it from our country altogether? To some of us, corruption means all things ugly, retrogressive, and anti-social. Therefore, the earlier its death bed, the better it would be for our country to live, prosper, and progress. Indeed, if this country is going to go somewhere, she needs to part ways with corruption. Furthermore, she needs to set her priorities straight. At least that's what some of us say and do prefer.

Personally, I don't have a thing against corruption. And why? you ask. It's because, I'm corrupt to the bone and so are you. Unfortunately, the very nature of all mankind is corrupt, and this is the undeniable truth. As a matter of fact, the nature of all things under the sun is to survive by all means necessary. And all means necessary means all means necessary, which means either right or wrong. Our survival instincts as human species transcend every moral order. Realistically speaking, there is no good or bad, right or wrong until we label something or someone as such. Moreover, the choices which you and I make are driven by our innate need, or compulsion to survive. In essence, every human action or inaction is based on survival.

The Western nations didn't progress because, they are less or more corrupt than us. They progressed because, they are better organized in everything than us. Even in the very act of corruption itself. Therefore, the secret to our success as a nation, wouldn't depend on how well we succeed in fighting corruption. It would depend on how well we organize ourselves as a nation to play as a team. In short, corruption is borne out of a necessity to survive come rain or shine. And so the notion that, politics or a political party could eradicate this canker is indeed laughable. Because believe me, as long as somebody is willing to offer somebody some money, somebody would always be willing to take this money. It's that simple. This somebody taking this money could be you, me, or anybody. Even Eve couldn't resist the apple way back in the garden of Eden. And God knows that she was not hungry. So you go figure.

See, there is nobody amongst, who would refuse a bribe when he/she has got additional bills to pay. Let's be honest. We all know that this kind of money could come in handy. In fact, those who make the loudest noise about this and that are the most corrupt. The only difference is that, they know how to hide their deeds from the public's eye. And as long as the media's spotlight isn't on them yet, but on somebody else- they could go around parading themselves as saints. Mind you, the game of politics isn't fair nor the politicians who play this game. Politics is all about the survival of the fittest, and the most corrupt. Sadly enough, life itself is also about the survival of the fittest, and the most corrupt. In this life, if you're not in some form or fashion corrupt, then you could consider yourself a true saint. So are there any true saints amongst us? If not any, then just like Rawlings said, we all ought to sit down and shut up.