We are not forgetting them when we speak of the alarming state of corruption in Ethiopia. Unfortunately, they are being prevented from serving the public and the nation as they want to because they are surrounded by persons living off corruption. As a result it is difficult for them to fight off and emerge victorious over these persons. It's because corruption and corruptors are gaining the upper hand over innocent citizens that we are saying that it has become a menace to the nation.

Presently, corruption is not only rampant; its perpetrators have become bold. Corruption used to practiced in secret in former times, nowadays it is being done out in the open that some of its perpetrators shamelessly ask in whose name a receipt should be made out for the bribe they take!

The brazenness of corruption in Ethiopia is such that it is subjecting the country to shame and economic loss. The recently exposed gold scam where the National Bank of Ethiopia lost over 200 million birr after it purchased worthless car spring leaf that was passed off as gold is a glaring case in point that should ring the alarm bell for the Ethiopian people.

The commission of corruption is increasing so significantly that it is becoming a norm in governmental and non-governmental organizations, the private sector as well as international organizations. At the rate it is mushrooming, it is even likely to begin to be considered as something which one should be proud of instead of be afraid of.

Given the depth and extent of corruption in Ethiopia, it is not only the responsibility of the government to combat it but that of all sectors and the public at large. Tackling corruption is not something that can entrusted to someone only; it is a national agenda which concerns us all.

The government has begun taking some initiatives to address the problem including establishing anti-corruption watchdogs at both the federal and regional levels, and launching an anti-corruption campaign. But it would be wrong for it to think that it can decisively deal with corruption through these means alone. It needs to rethink it strategy so as to be more effective.

In this regard, it is imperative, for instance, to review the operations of and re-organize the anti-corruption watchdogs as well as to staff them with efficient and competent workforce so that they discharge their duities properly and are above the very crime they are fighting. In as much as some of their actions are commendable, some of the things they do have raised questions over the integrity of the institutions themselves.

The mission of the anti-corruption drive cannot be accomplished by the endeavors of the Prime Minster or some two or three dedicated ministers or the efforts of the anti-corruption commissioner alone; it requires the exemplary and concerted action of government officials.

As a first step, a law governing the registration of the assets of government officials should be enacted. This should be augmented by regulations and directives which deepen accountability at all levels of government.

Furthermore, as the strategy of airing TV or radio spots which run for no more than a few minutes are not having the desired effect, it should be replaced by mainstreaming the anti-corruption message in regular programs.

It is also important for all the actors involved in the anti-corruption struggle to form a joint forum in order to bring about synergy. The likes of the anti-corruption commission, Transparency Ethiopia and other relevant governmental, non-governmental and private organizations need to do a lot in this respect.

Of all things, bids provide the most fertile ground for corruption. As such, it is high time strict procedures be put in place which ensure that it is only ethical bidders who win bids.

Corruption is no longer confined to cities; it has spread its tentacles to rural areas as well. It has even become rampant in the local offices of international organizations, the UN, the consular sections of embassies, etc!

Corruption is a deadly cancer. It poses a serious threat to the wellbeing of our country. So let's join hands to combat it and relegate it to the dust bins of history!