Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts have suffered a setback as the country scored 42 on the 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), marking a decline from the score of 43 in 2023. This is the first drop in five years, according to the latest data released by the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), the local chapter of Transparency International, on February 11, 2025.
The report places Ghana 80th out of 180 countries and territories assessed globally. This decline reflects persistent challenges in the fight against corruption, despite numerous policy interventions and institutional reforms.
In its analysis, GII highlighted a troubling trend: “Since 2015, Ghana has dropped five points on the CPI, reflecting persistent challenges in tackling corruption. This is despite the adoption of various policy, legal, and administrative measures aimed at addressing the menace.”
A Decade of Decline
Transparency International’s data underscores a steady erosion of Ghana’s anti-corruption gains over the past decade. While reforms such as digitisation in public service delivery and the establishment of anti-corruption agencies have been implemented, the CPI decline suggests these measures are insufficient.
The report further warns that the policy framework requires urgent strengthening to reverse the country’s anti-corruption decline.
GII’s Recommendations
To address the challenges, GII has proposed seven critical recommendations to strengthen Ghana’s anti-corruption framework:
1. Enhancing Parliamentary Oversight
Parliament should empower the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) with enforcement authority.
Establishment of the Budget and Fiscal Analysis Department (BFAD) to ensure fiscal discipline and curb public funds mismanagement.
2. Judiciary Reforms
The judiciary is urged to create a specialised anti-corruption court to expedite corruption-related cases, similar to Tanzania’s model.
3. Strengthening Legal Frameworks
Prioritise the passage of the Conduct of Public Officers’ Bill, which will enhance regulations on asset declaration, conflict of interest, and impose sanctions for non-compliance.
Enact the Internal Audit Agency Bill to empower the agency to conduct lifestyle audits and address issues of unexplained wealth.
4. Executive Action
Ensure strict enforcement of anti-corruption measures, with particular focus on prosecuting high-profile cases to deter offenders.
Empower anti-corruption institutions with adequate resources and autonomy.
5. Public Awareness and Civic Engagement
Engage citizens actively in anti-corruption efforts to foster transparency and accountability at all levels of governance.
The Road Ahead
The decline in Ghana’s CPI score is a stark reminder that fighting corruption requires sustained effort, strong political will, and robust institutional capacity. As the country grapples with these challenges, the recommendations from GII provide a roadmap to rebuild public trust and safeguard national development.
Observers and citizens alike will be keen to see whether these proposals translate into tangible actions that halt the downward trend and reinforce Ghana’s commitment to good governance.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
