Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, has sounded a critical alarm on the pervasiveness of corruption within Ghana’s public institutions, describing its effect as deeply corrosive to national values and governance.

Speaking at the Graphic National Development Series, Sir Jonah highlighted how corruption has become so embedded in society that many view it as almost a cultural norm rather than an anomaly.

"Corruption has become so pervasive that many Ghanaians consider it as an intrinsic part of culture, and not to be corrupt as a social anomaly,” he noted, pointing to a shift in societal attitudes that view non-corruption as "unbusinesslike" and even naive.

Sam Jonah argued that the current governance landscape is marred by scandals that seem to worsen with each passing year.

According to him, political and executive figures rarely face disciplinary measures for corruption, graft, or illicit wealth accumulation, and such offenses are often overlooked if they occur within the ruling government’s sphere of influence.

"Rather than emulate the selfless spirit of our heroes, governance is replete with scandals, which get worse by the day; and governments do not only spare the corrupt within their own bracket, we hardly hear of disciplinary action against public officials traceable to executive graft, corruption, self -aggrandizement, or unexplained wealth," he said.

Sir Sam also voiced apprehension regarding the declining integrity within Ghana’s legislative body.

“When even the legislature, which should embody the principles of law, ethics, and virtue, shows signs of malice, the people’s hope and confidence plummet,” he stated, noting the erosion of trust in the institutions designed to uphold transparency and justice.

Addressing Ghana’s broader challenges, he remarked, “We are confronted with issues that go to the heart of our challenges: economic decline, corruption, environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, and the erosion of patriotism. Amidst all of these, we live in an emerging culture that prioritises personal gain over collective well-being.”