In the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, Ghana scored 43 out of a possible 100 points on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), ranking 70th out of 176 countries. This score reflected concerns about corruption under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.
Recent data, however, suggests that corruption remains a persistent issue. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023, released by Transparency International on January 30, 2024, shows Ghana with a score of 43 and a ranking of 70th out of 180 countries and territories. This marks the fourth consecutive year of stagnation in the country’s anti-corruption efforts.
Transparency International attributes Ghana’s lack of progress to a deteriorating justice system, which has diminished accountability and allowed corruption to persist.
Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere discussed these issues on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu. Dr. Otchere a political analyst and a senior political lecturer at University of Cape Coast criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) manifesto, arguing that it fails to address the real issues faced by Ghanaians. He suggested that the presentation by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, while aimed at showcasing the government’s achievements, seems out of touch with the current economic realities.
Dr. Otchere noted that Dr. Bawumia, who has been part of the government’s economic management team, should be more aware of the economic challenges and focus on addressing them rather than presenting new solutions.
In another development, economist and finance professor Godfred A. Bokpin has expressed support for Dr. Bawumia’s proposal to eliminate the electronic transaction levy (e-levy) if elected President in December 2024. Prof. Bokpin called this proposal a “bold step” but suggested that Dr. Bawumia should use his current influence within the NPP to advocate for the removal of the e-levy immediately rather than waiting until after the election.
Prof. Bokpin highlighted that many economists and concerned Ghanaians had previously advised against the e-levy, which was introduced in May 2022 by the Akufo-Addo administration to boost government revenue. He welcomed Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to scrapping the tax, emphasizing that the e-levy “has no future in this country,” regardless of who is in power.
During the launch of the NPP’s Election 2024 manifesto in Takoradi, Dr. Bawumia reiterated his pledge to abolish the e-levy if elected. In response, the opposition NDC and other presidential candidates have also promised to eliminate the tax if given the mandate.
Story by: Alexander Kukah
