'Paying back stolen funds is not enough' – Avedzi demands tougher punishment for corrupt officials

James Klutse Avedzi, former Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), has criticized the recovery of stolen public funds without punishment.

He believes that allowing corrupt officials to return misappropriated money sets a dangerous precedent. This practice encourages further corruption.

In an interview on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition, he stated, “The recovery of the money is good. It’s okay.” However, he emphasized that focusing only on recovering funds ignores the need for punishment.

Avedzi highlighted how corrupt individuals still profit despite being caught. He gave an example: “Someone takes $10 million of government money and trades on it, making an additional $5 million.” If they only repay the original $10 million, what happens to the extra profit?

He argued that corruption should not be treated as a simple financial transaction. “We recover the money, but we must punish the person,” he insisted. Without strict penalties, corrupt officials feel emboldened.

Avedzi expressed frustration over how some view public funds as personal assets. “Why do you want to take government’s money and then later give it back?” he asked. He stressed that government needs these funds for projects benefiting everyone.

His comments reflect growing calls for harsher legal actions against public officials cited in Auditor General reports for misappropriating state resources.

While recovering stolen funds is necessary, failing to penalize offenders fuels a culture of impunity in Ghana's public sector.

Avedzi advocates for moving from mere reimbursements to strict legal consequences. He wants those who steal from the state to face full legal repercussions.