This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from a U4 Partner Agency. The U4 Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International in collaboration with the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre based at the Chr. Michelsen Institute.
Query
Please provide an overview of corruption and anti-corruption in Ghana. We are interested in how the role, mandate and in particular the potential of the prosecution service, courts and the Ghana Audit Service might have changed.
Summary
Ghana is considered to be one of the more stable countries in West Africa, since its transition to multi-party democracy in 1992. Corruption exists in all branches of Ghanaian government, and there is often a lack of accountability. The culprits often enjoy impunity. The judiciary and police are viewed as the most corrupt. However, the creation of the Office of the Special Prosecutor has instilled new hope in Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts.
Main points
- Widespread corruption exists in Ghana. Sectors worst affected by corruption include natural resource management, the judiciary and police.
- There is a need for an all-inclusive anti-corruption law.
- Courts are commonly perceived to be vulnerable to corruption.
- Prosecution of crime is often lengthy and people often turn to informal arbitration
Contents
- Background
- Overview of corruption in Ghana
- Legal and institutional anti-corruption framework
- References
Authors
Kaunain Rahman
Reviewers
Inge Amundsen, U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre and Roberto Martinez B. Kukutschka and Samuel Kaninda, Transparency International
Date
20/03/2019
Tags
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