02/10/2025
Liberian Journalist Jeremiah Mulbah writes....
Tackling Corruption from the Ground Up
By Jeremiah Mulbah
Corruption is one of the greatest threats to a good society. It weakens institutions, destroys trust, and leaves nations struggling under the weight of bad governance. But too often, we only focus on government officials when discussing corruption. We shout, we complain, and we demand accountability only after these individuals have taken office. But should we wait until someone is in public office before we identify their corrupt tendencies? Or should we address corruption at its roots within our communities, schools, homes, and places of worship?
Every corrupt official today did not come from another planet. They were not born in isolation. They grew up among us, right in our neighborhoods. They went to the same schools, attended the same churches or mosques, and interacted with society just like everyone else. Their values and behaviors were shaped by the environment they came from. So why do we act surprised when they act corruptly in public office?
Corruption does not begin in government; it begins at home. When parents tell their children to lie about their age to get a school admission, that is corruption. When a teacher demands money from students in exchange for better grades, that is corruption. When we bribe a police officer to avoid a fine, that is corruption. These small, everyday acts form the foundation of what later becomes large-scale corruption in government offices. If we fail to correct these behaviors in our homes and communities, how can we expect politicians and public officials to act differently?
One of the biggest mistakes we make is waiting until someone gets elected or appointed to public office before we scrutinize their actions. But the truth is, corrupt officials were already corrupt before they got into office. Their dishonesty did not start the day they took an oath; it started long before, when they were children, students, businesspeople, and community leaders.
If we want to fight corruption, we must start by identifying corrupt attitudes before they reach positions of power. Communities must take responsibility for shaping the character of individuals long before they enter leadership roles. Schools must teach integrity, parents must instill honesty, and religious leaders must promote ethical behavior. It is at these early stages that corruption either takes root or is uprooted.
If we are serious about fighting corruption, then education must be a key tool. People need to understand what corruption is and how it affects them personally. Too often, corruption is seen as a distant issue, something that only affects those in power. But corruption affects every citizen. When public funds are stolen, roads remain unpaved, hospitals lack medicine, and schools become ineffective. The consequences of corruption touch every part of society, and people must be made aware of this reality.
In addition to education, there must be strong enforcement of the law. People who engage in corrupt activities should be prosecuted, regardless of their status. Too often, corruption cases drag on in court without consequences. This lack of accountability encourages more corruption because people believe they can get away with it. But if corrupt individuals are punished severely, it will serve as a warning to others.
A major part of the corruption problem is cultural acceptance. In many communities, people see corruption as normal. They say, “That’s just how things work.” Some even admire those who steal from public funds, calling them “smart” instead of condemning their actions. This attitude must change.
We must reject corruption in all its forms, no matter who is involved. Whether it is a politician, a family member, or a friend, corrupt actions must be condemned. We should stop celebrating people who suddenly become rich without any clear source of income. We should stop protecting individuals simply because they belong to our ethnic group or political party. Instead, we should demand transparency and integrity from everyone at all levels of society.
Young people have a powerful role to play in fighting corruption. They are the future leaders, and if they grow up in an environment that rejects corruption, they will carry those values into leadership positions. Schools and universities should encourage debates on ethics and accountability. Youth organizations should promote campaigns against bribery and fraud. By engaging young people early, we can build a new generation that values honesty over greed.
Corruption is a deadly disease that destroys societies. But the fight against corruption cannot be left to the government alone. It must start at the grassroots level within families, schools, religious institutions, and local communities. If we wait until someone becomes a public official before addressing their corrupt tendencies, we are already too late.
By promoting education, enforcing laws, rejecting cultural acceptance of corruption, and involving young people in the fight, we can create a society where honesty is valued and corruption is no longer tolerated. The responsibility to fight corruption is not just for politicians; it belongs to all of us.
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