In spite of the several anti-corruption bodies and governmental agencies set up to deal with corruption in both private and public institutions in the country, the canker still thrives.

This, according to Justice Emile Short, is because Ghanaians have over the years normalized the growth of corruption in society.

“Corruption is endemic in Ghana, it is widespread. It has permeated almost every sector of our society…We tolerate corruption, so in spite of the existence of some of these institutions even if they were operating at their best level reports of corruption shouldn’t come as a surprise…,” he said.

Mr Short made this known while attempting to tackle a question on whether or not Ghanaians must be surprised at reports of corruption.

The former CHRAJ boss, known to be an avid anti-corruption crusader said in spite of the existence of the many anti-corruption bodies, every year several financial malpractices are reported but most of these cases go unnoticed.

“…There are all kinds of financial irregularities like procurement breaches, monies paid to public offices which have not been accounted for, salaries paid to people who have left institutions…and the sad part of it is that there are no sanctions…these breaches occur every year, but there are no sanctions imposed so we have them occurring every year…,” he lamented.

Justice Emile Short was speaking in an interview with Dr Kwabena Opuni Frimpong on ‘What is Next’.

Ghana can currently boast of more than 5 governmental agencies specifically instituted to deal with corruption in public institutions and officials but not much of a change has been recorded.

Some of these offices include; The Auditor-General’s office, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.