Fraud Prevention Expert and Security Consultant, Richard Kumadoe, has called for urgent measures by internal auditors and investigators to strengthen their systems and protocols to prevent officers from exploiting loopholes to steal public funds.
According to him, some state officials have developed sophisticated ways of manipulating figures to their advantage, compromising financial systems and causing significant losses to the state.
Mr. Kumadoe made the call while reacting to recent reports of fraud and financial scandals uncovered by various investigative agencies across the country. He made these remarks on Adekyee Mu Nsem, a morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Alexander Nana Dogbey in Accra.
He observed that one of the major challenges confronting state investigative and prosecutorial bodies is their inability to successfully investigate and prosecute corruption and political fraud cases without political interference and judicial delays.
“The critical challenge facing our investigative and prosecution teams is their lack of ability to operate independently and efficiently. Political interference and judicial negligence often derail the process,” Mr. Kumadoe stated.
He emphasized that investigations into political fraud and other crimes should not only lead to the punishment of culprits but also include searches, seizures, and confiscation of properties acquired through the proceeds of crime.
“It would be very encouraging for the public — even for children — to see that crime truly does not pay, and that those who steal from the state lose what they have wrongfully gained,” he added.
Mr. Kumadoe further noted that frequent cases of fraud and financial crimes distort the nation’s economic structure and deepen inequality.
“Frequent fraud and financial crimes create unfair credit and economic systems. They worsen the plight of the less privileged and contribute to an imbalanced society, which is unhealthy for national development,” he cautioned.