New findings from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) present a mixed picture of public interactions with officials in the first half of 2025.
According to the Governance Series Wave Two report, 14.3% of respondents admitted giving money or gifts to a public official between January and June 2025 — a drop from 18.4% recorded in the previous survey. While this decline indicates progress, the data reveals a worrying development: repeat giving has sharply increased. The proportion of respondents who said they gave gifts five or more times rose from 6.9% to 24%.
Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu noted that the Governance Series offers timely, citizen-focused data to guide reforms. He urged policymakers to use the insights to build trust and improve service delivery.
The report shows that cash remains the most common form of gift, with over half of givers offering amounts of 100 cedis or less. Requests for gifts from officials declined from 51.3% to 38.6%, but voluntary tokens of appreciation almost doubled, rising from 17.6% to 32.9%. At the same time, reports of bribery to official or informal channels decreased.
Frontline services continue to record the highest levels of informal payments. The Motor Traffic and Transport Division (MTTD) of the Police Service remains the institution most associated with bribery, though its share decreased from 61% to 51.9%. The persistence of such practices underscores the need for stronger oversight and more accessible complaint systems.
The report also highlights progress in civic inclusion. The proportion of citizens who believe ordinary people can influence public decisions rose from 54.8% to 68.4%, while those who feel completely excluded dropped from 42.4% to 29.2%. These improvements were most notable among young adults aged 18–24, senior citizens aged 65 and above, and persons with difficulty performing daily activities.
Despite the gains, regional disparities remain, with the North East, Upper East, and Northern Regions reporting the highest levels of perceived exclusion.
The Governance Series Wave Two contributes to Ghana’s monitoring of Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. By tracking bribery, participation, and inclusion, the data offers a vital tool for government, civil society, and development partners to design interventions that curb petty corruption and expand civic engagement.
GSS is encouraging policymakers, researchers, and the general public to access the full report at its official website for detailed tables, regional analyses, and methodology. The findings reflect progress but also highlight persistent challenges requiring coordinated efforts to reduce informal payments and strengthen trust in public institutions.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com