The Netherlands’ Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Ron Strikker, has wondered why the Akufo-Addo-led government is pursuing a policy of “Ghana beyond aid” and not "Ghana beyond corruption".

On assumption of office on 7 January 2017, President Nana Akufo-Addo expressed his desire to lead a government that will manage the country’s resources in a manner that will allow the country to be self-sufficient without external assistance. This, the President referred to as "Ghana beyond aid".

To this end, Nana Akufo-Addo launched the Ghana Beyond Aid charter at this year’s May Day celebration in Accra.

He told the several thousand of workers who converged on the Independence Square for the Workers’ Day parade that: “Ghana Beyond Aid is setting our nation on an irreversible pathway of development”.

“With the blessing of the Almighty and our collective effort, we will march boldly from poverty to prosperity so that we can create the Ghana our forefathers envisaged.”

Sharing his thoughts on the policy at a seminar, Mr Strikker wondered why the government will not focus on pursuing an agenda of ‘Ghana beyond corruption’ since, in his view, corruption is inimical to the growth of the country.

In a video, Mr Strikker said: "You need a good business climate to attract foreign investment... Corruption is a very bad thing and companies suffer and will stay away if they think that they are going to be harassed by corruption in a certain country... Your official policy is Ghana Beyond Aid; why not Ghana Beyond Corruption?"