Ghana’s weak institutional checks and the crippling cost of running for public office are actively fueling corruption and tearing down moral leadership, the Ameer and Missionary-in-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, Maulvi Mohammed Noor Salih, has warned.
Speaking at the 2nd Tabligh Symposium at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Maulvi Noor Salih pointed out that when running for office becomes an expensive investment, public service quickly turns into a recovery scheme.
Addressing the audience on the theme “Leadership with Integrity: Raising a Generation That Serves,” he painted a realistic picture of how political financing drives public theft.
He described a typical scenario in which a parliamentary candidate sells off personal assets to fund a campaign, only to enter office desperate to reclaim the loss.
“Where am I going to get the money back from? From your money! I’m going to cheat you. I’m going to take your money,” the Ameer said, warning that personal political gain almost always comes at the public’s expense.
He also turned his attention to young people, urging students—especially Ahmadi youth—to stand firm against examination malpractice. He challenged the youth to build a culture of honesty while also calling on the older generation to take responsibility for their own failures and lead by example.
UCC representative stresses leadership by example, not power
Representing UCC Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Walenyo Aheto, Dr. Akwesi Afrifa said the University’s responsibility in grooming future leaders takes more than academic training, it requires visible, trustworthy role models.
“Today, integrity is not only about doing standard stuff and doing the right thing; it is about doing these things when no one is watching,” Dr. Afrifa said. “Most of the time, we in leadership want to lead not with the example of our power, but with the power of our example.”
He described integrity as the cement that holds leadership together, warning that without it, authority collapses. While affirming UCC’s commitment to research and academic standards, he noted that building a disciplined society requires collective effort from traditional leaders, local government, and everyday citizens.
Stop the Monetization and Bigotry – Dr. Anas Edusie
Also speaking at the event, the National Secretary in charge of Training for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Dr. Anas Edusie, highlighted Ghana’s internal political party processes, calling for urgent reforms to prioritize competence over deep pockets and identity politics.
“We have monetized party primaries,” Dr. Edusie lamented, criticizing how financial influence, tribal bias, and religious prejudice continue to sideline qualified people.
“Somebody said a Northerner cannot lead Ghana. And somebody also said a Muslim cannot lead Ghana. How come in this age of enlightenment, people still show this type of old-age bigotry?” he asked.
He said the country’s winner-takes-all mindset could exclude qualified people from office, urging ruling governments to put national interest first by consulting opposition figures, former presidents, academics, and industry experts on major national issues.
Reminding the audience that leadership in Islam is a sacred trust, he warned that decisions made today will shape the lives of generations to come.
Quoting Quran Chapter 13, Verse 11, Dr. Edusie said: “Unless a people, with concerted effort, change their mindset and their thinking, Allah will not change their lot.”
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Source: Alhaji Ibrahim Adam/ATLFMNEWS
