CORRUPTION AND AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT CRISIS: PROMOTING THE HUMANITIES AS AN ANTIDOTE

Abstract

Africans were full of hopes and aspirations at the threshold of independence. They were forward looking as they believed that their own kith and kin who were to succeed the colonial rulers, would usher in the progress they desired in terms of overall development of all the sectors of Africa’s economy. However, the euphoria that greeted attainment of independence was short-lived due to the corruption cankerworm that percolated politics and governance of vast majority of the newly independent African States. Corrupt practices being by African ruling classes have had debilitating effects on developmental efforts across the continent. This unsavoury situation has led to terrible socio-political ferment and cleavages engendered by crises cutting across Africa. The non-challant attitude of the ruling classes who have engaged in looting the treasury and appropriating public properties for personal use has inflicted much oppression on the masses. This study therefore explores the conceptualization of corruption, dimensions of corrupt practices in Africa and how they have impeded development as well as instances of virulent reactions of the oppressed toward the corrupt leaders. The discourse is rounded off by proffering possible solution to this social monster called corruption so as to pave the way for development in the near future on the continent of Africa. This is done by highlighting the relevance of the humanities which emphasize morality but which have been relegated to the background by both the leadership and followership.