‘Let’s retrieve swallowed state property, even if it takes opening stomachs’ – Methodist Bishop

The Methodist Bishop of the Obuasi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Baffuor Asamoah Agyei has delivered a passionate call for the prosecution and recovery of state resources from individuals who have misappropriated public funds.

Rt. Rev. Asamoah Agyei also likened the misuse of state property to greedily swallowing a shared toffee meant for all.

Speaking after the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving at Obuasi on July 1, 2025, Rt. Rev. Agyei used a vivid metaphor to explain the importance of safeguarding state resources for the collective benefit of all Ghanaians.

“If state property were to be a toffee, when one licks it, then he passes on to his brother to do the same so that at the end of the day it will benefit all of us,” the Bishop said.

“But another person, when it gets to his turn, decides to swallow the toffee. Those who have swallowed State properties, we must open their stomachs and retrieve them.”

He stressed that retrieving looted state funds should be the nation’s top priority, even if culprits serve only minimal jail time.

“They should be prosecuted. We should retrieve our monies, and if they are jailed even one week, that’s okay with me,” he asserted.

“Whichever way we can retrieve the toffee to enable us to pass it around to others, we should do that.”

Rt. Rev. Agyei’s comments come amid growing public discourse on corruption and recent calls by civil society groups and faith-based organizations for stiffer measures against the misuse of public resources.

His metaphorical yet piercing message has since gone viral on social media, with many users praising the clergyman for his boldness and clarity in addressing an issue that continues to undermine development and social equity in Ghana.

Corruption is a significant issue in Ghana, affecting various sectors and hindering development. While Ghana has made progress in some governance indicators, petty corruption remains persistent, and political corruption, including the looting of state assets, is a concern.