Corruption Cloaked in Religion: The Hidden Threat to Governance

October 18, 2022

2 minutes read

The Problem of Religious Bias in Public Policy in West Africa

Religion has become deeply entangled with politics in many West African countries, with religious institutions often playing key roles in elections and policymaking. While some leaders act as peacemakers, others engage in practices that undermine governance by exchanging spiritual endorsements for political favors. This dynamic creates fertile ground for corruption, as politicians seek the approval of influential religious leaders to secure votes or legitimacy.

During election cycles, it is common to see political candidates seeking blessings from both Christian and Islamic leaders. In return, these religious figures sometimes gain access to public funds, land, or other privileges. Such relationships blur the lines between governance and faith, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. Public perception suffers as citizens begin to associate religious endorsements with political patronage rather than genuine moral leadership.

In some cases, religious leaders remain silent on government corruption, prioritizing their relationships with those in power over their duty to speak out against injustice. This silence has sparked criticism from civil society organizations, which argue that religious institutions should uphold their moral responsibility by holding leaders accountable. Strengthening governance in West Africa will require a redefinition of the role of religion in politics, ensuring that religious leaders prioritize ethical guidance over political gain.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

Stock

Stocks Dip as Trump’s Tax Bill Passes, Focus to July9 Deadline

Global stock markets declined on July 4, 2025, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-cut ...

OPEC

OPEC+ Considers Larger Oil Output Hike for August

OPEC+, comprising eight key members—Saudi Arabia, Russia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Kazakhstan, and Algeria, will ...

Angélique Kidjo:First AfricanArtist Honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Beninese music icon and five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo has been named a ...

Zambia

Zambia Declares End to Cholera Outbreak

Zambia has officially declared an end to its latest cholera outbreak, marking a significant public ...

Features

Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Netherlands returned 119 looted artifacts, known as the Benin ...

Ngugi-wa-Thiongo

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o:Passed the pen to the Next Generation.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a legendary Kenyan writer, scholar, and revolutionary voice in African literature passed ...

ECOWAS

ECOWAS Celebrates 50th Anniversary Amid Sahel States Tensions

On May 28, 1975, fifteen West African nations signed the Lagos Treaty, establishing the Economic ...

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

​Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, has captivated the financial world with its innovative technology and notable ...

Guinea Sets September 2025 Date for Constitutional Referendum as Military Inches Toward Democratic Transition

Guinea Sets September 2025 Date for Constitutional Referendum as Military Inches Toward Democratic Transition

Guinea’s military-led government has officially announced that a national referendum on a new constitution will ...

Ivory Coast economic growth

Côte d’Ivoire’s Economic Boom Faces Political Test in 2025 Election

Ivory Coast’s Economic Success: A Model for West Africa Côte d’Ivoire has emerged as one ...

Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley: The Trailblazing African American Poet Who Defied Oppression

Phillis Wheatley: A Pioneer in Black Literature and Poetry Phillis Wheatley was a groundbreaking poet ...

Women Participation in Politics

International Women’s Day 2025: Advancing Rights, Equality, and Leadership for African Women

The 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” ...

Latest News

Today in History

July 7th is the day in 1981 that U.S. President Ronald Reagan appoints Sandra Day O'Connor to become the first female member of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram384.4867
GH Ghana Cedi10.3485
GM Gambian Dalasi71.4972
GN Guinea Franc8,671.89
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,529.94
CF CFA Franc BEAC557.215
07 Jul · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 07 Jul 2025 02:05 UTC
Latest change: 07 Jul 2025 02:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?