Dr Joseph Darmoe, has lamented how “erroneously, communism and socialism looked too attractive” to African nations from the days of their respective independence. 

The Director of Programmes, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, recalled how Prof Ayittey greatly decried this phenomenon, having observed the aforementioned governance and economic models were “just a tool to enrich people” in power at the expense of the citizens. 

Thus, he highlighted, “from Nyerere and Nkrumah, we failed.”

As a keynote speaker, Dr Darmoe was addressing the audience at the maiden George Ayittey Memorial Awards (GAMA) ceremony, held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Airport View Hotel, Accra.

Without mincing words, he said “right from independence we were thieves”. 

He explained by noting that every problem identified on the national level meant, to leaders, there was a need to establish a new office or ministry, which, inadvertently or otherwise, became facilitators of corruption.

He revealed his ultimate thought on the source of corruption.

“It’s not because politicians are bad but it’s because we are bad,” he said, but concluded with a call to change the status quo. 

The George Ayittey Memorial Awards was organised to celebrate the legacy of the late revered economist and author Prof George Ayittey and to spotlight remarkable individuals who, in diverse ways, are contributing to a better Africa.

The awards scheme is a project by ACEYE (Africa Centre for Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment), co-founded by Richmond Kwesi Ansah and Emmanuel Acquah.

IMANI Centre for Policy and Education was a partner and sponsorship was from Atlas Network.

The 2023 George Ayittey Memorial Awards was themed: ‘Inspiring minds, transforming nations: The Ayittey legacy’.

It awarded individuals in the following areas: Outstanding efforts in combating corruption, Exemplary governance and leadership, Distinguished legal achievements, Excellence in media and journalism, Entrepreneurial innovation and impact and Prize for Cheetah leadership.