Voice from Afar: Melcom disaster puts a generation on trial

Feature Article of Monday, 12 November 2012 Columnist: Daily Graphic The collapse of the Melcom store at Achimota confirms institutional failure, official incompetence and the acceptance of petty corruption by us the people of Ghana.Officials in various organisations are paid to ensure compliance with rules and regulations before licences are granted for the erection of buildings.For some time, however, all that many officials did was to paint notices of “STOP WORK OR PRODUCE PERMIT” on structures being constructed.The owner of the structure then sees the official or officials concerned “does custom” that is pays bribes and officialdom turns a blind eye on the illegal construction.Law –abiding citizens find it impossible to follow laid down procedures.They receive no replies to letters and applications. Therefore, they submit plans and the relevant documents to authority and proceed to build.Near completion or after completion, officials appear and the “necessaries” are done and the building is sanctioned.