Ghana makes no progress in latest Corruption Perception Index – Report
In the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International (TI) today, Ghana has marked its fourth consecutive year with a score of 43 out of 100, signaling a concerning lack of progress in combating corruption. The country now ranks 70th out of 180 nations and territories assessed.
The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), the local chapter of Transparency International, highlighted in its report that the stagnant score reflects a global trend of deteriorating justice systems. Transparency International attributes this trend to a weakened accountability of public officials, thereby providing a conducive environment for corruption to thrive.
Transparency International’s analysis points to a connection between Ghana’s anti-corruption performance and its deteriorating justice system. The Rule of Law Index by the World Justice Project underlines this concern, showcasing a decline from a score of 0.60 and a rank of 34 in 2015 to a score of 0.55 and a rank of 61 in 2023.
The GII is urging Parliament to take swift action by introducing the Conduct of Public Officers’ Bill. This measure aims to enhance the effectiveness of asset declaration provisions by introducing verification processes and imposing severe sanctions for non-compliance. The GII emphasizes the need for both the Executive and the Legislature to expedite the passage of this crucial bill and address legal gaps hindering the prosecution of selected corruption cases.
The call for urgent action underscores the critical role of legislative and executive branches in bolstering Ghana’s anti-corruption framework. As the nation grapples with persistent challenges, bridging these legal gaps is deemed essential for a more robust and effective response to corruption.
