ECG Missing Containers: Technology alone cannot address dishonesty issues- Col. Aboagye

Security Analyst Col. Festus Aboagye (Retd) emphasized that technology cannot solve deep-rooted dishonesty and corruption in institutions.

He spoke on the JoyNews AM show about this issue. Mr. Aboagye noted that while technology can improve efficiency, human behavior is the real problem.

His comments came amid the controversy over missing containers from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) at Tema Port. He stated that the issue lies not with technology but with individuals' actions within these systems.

"Technology alone cannot address these issues," he said. "Human beings operate and manipulate every technological system." He pointed out that those who control these systems often exploit them for personal gain.

Mr. Aboagye stressed that no amount of technology can fix institutional corruption if powerful individuals choose to engage in criminal behavior.

"If people in institutions like ECG or governance decide to act criminally, no technology can stop them," he argued.

Despite digital transformation efforts at ports, Mr. Aboagye believes technology remains vulnerable to manipulation. He emphasized that digital systems cannot tackle corruption's root cause: human exploitation.

Reflecting on past government initiatives, he noted that while technology was promoted as a solution, it did not address fundamental issues.

"We heard a lot about digital transformation under former Vice President Bawumia," he explained. "Claims were made about shortening procedures and reducing human interaction, but they missed the core problem."

He expressed skepticism about government reports claiming 3,000 systems were installed at the port. "The actual number was likely much lower," Mr. Aboagye pointed out.

He reiterated that corruption is not inherent in technology; it arises from how individuals manipulate systems for their benefit.

"Corruption is a human issue, not a technological one," he said. He referenced a list of 13 entities from the Ministry of Energy to illustrate ongoing corruption despite technological efforts.

Mr. Aboagye concluded by stating that while technology can enhance processes, it cannot eliminate dishonesty and corruption in institutions.

"At the end of the day, corruption is a human problem," he said. He called for accountability among individuals rather than relying solely on technology to resolve systemic issues.