Accra, Ghana – The fight against corruption in Ghana has reached a critical juncture, with the nation’s persistent struggle reflected in its stagnant score on the international corruption index. For three consecutive years, Ghana has scored 43 out of 100, a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. This reality underscores the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition’s (GACC) renewed call for collective action, emphasizing the crucial roles of government, citizens, and anti-corruption agencies in curbing this pervasive menace. The gravity of the situation is further amplified by the staggering financial losses Ghana incurs annually due to corruption.

Ghana loses over $3 billion annually to corruption, a sum equivalent to the amount the nation seeks from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This financial drain severely hampers development efforts and undermines the country’s economic stability. The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) is advocating for stronger collaboration between anti-corruption agencies like the Office of the Special Prosecutor and CHRAJ to tackle this issue head-on.

“We need an all-hands-on-deck approach to fight corruption effectively,” says Harrison Cudjoe, Programmes Officer at GACC, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts. This call for unity extends to every level of society, from government officials to ordinary citizens, highlighting the need for a concerted effort to combat corruption in Ghana.

The government, according to GACC, must take decisive steps to strengthen laws against embezzlement, misappropriation, and financial loss. Equally important is the role of citizens, who must be vigilant, ask questions, and report suspected corruption. Only through active participation and accountability can Ghana hope to make significant progress in the Ghana corruption fight.

A significant concern raised by Cudjoe is the existing loophole in Section 1.5.12 of the Code of Conduct for public office holders. This section remains silent on gifts given by public appointees, creating an avenue for potential abuse. “This silence needs to be addressed urgently to prevent undue influence and maintain the integrity of public service,” Cudjoe stated.

The advocacy workshop that spotlighted these issues is part of GACC’s “Strengthening Accountability, Rule of Law, and Institutional Responsiveness in Ghana” (SARIS) initiative. Implemented with partners like CDD-Ghana and GII, and funded by the European Union, SARIS aims to promote transparency, accountability, and institutional responsiveness through media development, civil society empowerment, and targeted anti-corruption reforms. By focusing on these key areas, SARIS seeks to build a more resilient and transparent society.

In line with the goals of the SARIS initiative, GACC has organized training programs in the Bono and Bono East regions. These programs are designed to deepen citizens’ understanding of public financial management and audit processes, enabling them to actively monitor and report corruption. Empowering citizens with knowledge is a cornerstone of effective anti-corruption efforts.

Yaw Gyebi, a beneficiary of one of these training programs, shared his appreciation, stating, “The knowledge and skills we’ve gained will not only benefit us but the entire country. In unity and patriotism, we can win the fight against corruption.” His words encapsulate the spirit of collective action that GACC is striving to foster.

The road ahead in the Ghana corruption fight requires unwavering commitment from all stakeholders. By strengthening laws, promoting citizen engagement, and addressing loopholes in existing regulations, Ghana can create a more transparent and accountable society. The SARIS initiative and similar programs offer valuable tools for empowering citizens and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. The success of these efforts ultimately hinges on the collaborative efforts of government, anti-corruption agencies, and engaged citizens, working together to build a better future for Ghana.