Former National Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has acknowledged the detrimental impact of corruption on the economy while emphasizing its global prevalence, stating that Ghana is not an exception.

In an interview on Hot Issues with Keminni Amanor, Blay expressed concern about corruption's pervasive and harmful nature, noting that approximately a third of Ghana's GDP is lost to corruption.

He highlighted the risk of people losing confidence in the economy, resorting to improper means to circumvent systems and evade taxes.

Responding to former Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan's statement about public institutions not doing enough to combat corruption, Blay disagreed with the assertion that Ghana has become poorer due to corruption.

He emphasized that while corruption is a challenge that needs to be addressed, the country is not poorer and is progressing toward middle-income status.

Blay commended the efforts of the Akufo-Addo-led administration in fighting corruption, citing policies and institutions such as digitalization, empowered police, and the judiciary as effective measures.

“The government of Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, so far as I am concerned, has put in more efforts under the third and fourth republic, to fight corruption than any other government that I can think of," he stated.

Mr Blay stressed the importance of institutions and policies in the fight against corruption and highlighted the government's commitment to empowering law enforcement and judicial bodies.