WEALTH ACCUMULATION, EXTENDED FAMILY SYSTEM, AND CORRUPTION IN AFRICA

One of the greatest challenges facing Africans today is the burden of wealth accumulation driven by cultural expectations and the extended family system. While some argue that greed is a primary cause of corruption, I believe that social pressure and financial responsibility play a much larger role.

In many African societies, success is not an individual achievement but a communal responsibility. Those who attain wealth are expected to support not only their immediate family but also extended relatives, distant connections, and even entire communities. The pressure to provide leads many people—especially those in influential positions—to seek alternative, often unethical, means of accumulating wealth. Corruption then becomes less about personal greed and more about survival and fulfilling social obligations.

Unlike in Western nations, where social welfare systems provide a safety net, Africa largely depends on informal family support structures. While better social welfare policies could help ease these financial burdens, they may not be enough to change the deeply ingrained cultural expectations. Even when such programs exist, they often suffer from inefficiency, poor funding, and mismanagement.

Greed certainly plays a role in corruption, but it is not the main driver. Many individuals who engage in corrupt practices do so under immense societal pressure rather than sheer personal ambition. The fear of being ostracized, seen as selfish, or failing in one's family duties can push otherwise decent individuals into unethical decisions.

Addressing this issue requires a cultural shift—one that promotes financial independence while still preserving communal support. Additionally, stronger governance, economic policies that empower individuals, and education on financial planning can help reduce the need for corrupt practices. Until these changes occur, the extended family system will continue to place undue pressure on individuals, encouraging wealth accumulation at any cost and sustaining the cycle of corruption.

I remain that local chief from Abbi Kingdom,

Innocent Onyah, PhD