Private legal practitioner, Samuel Addo Otoo, says corruption will become “very expensive” in Ghana if recommendations contained in the Constitutional Review Report are effectively implemented.
He made the remarks during an interview on Nhyira FM’s Kro Yi Mu Nsem breakfast show on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
According to Lawyer Otoo, Ghana’s current constitutional and legal framework provides mechanisms for accountability, but weak enforcement and political interference continue to weaken efforts to fight corruption.
“If we implement the Constitutional Review Report effectively, especially the aspects dealing with accountability institutions, corruption will be expensive to engage in,” he told host Barima Kofi Dawson-Akokoa.
He explained that under the current constitutional arrangement, public office holders are required to submit asset declaration forms to the Attorney-General, but the declarations are not made public unless concerns are raised.
Lawyer Otoo said the Constitutional Review Report proposes significant changes, including requiring public officials to declare assets belonging to themselves, their spouses and children.
He added that the proposed framework would mandate the Attorney-General to verify declared assets within 90 days and subsequently make the declarations public.
Corruption remains a major challenge in Ghana, with issues such as procurement fraud, political patronage and bribery affecting public confidence and economic development.
Despite existing legal frameworks, including the 1992 Constitution, the Public Financial Management Act and other anti-corruption laws, enforcement remains a key concern.
Lawyer Otoo noted that without strong political commitment and adequate resources for accountability institutions, anti-corruption initiatives risk becoming “another document on the shelf.”
He urged Parliament and civil society organisations to push for the implementation of key constitutional review recommendations, particularly those aimed at strengthening the independence of the judiciary, the Auditor-General and anti-corruption agencies.
“Until we make corruption unattractive by ensuring swift punishment, asset recovery, and transparency, we will keep fighting the same battle every year,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lawyer Otoo, who is the Financial Committee Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region, has announced his intention to contest for the position of National Vice Chairman of the party.
He said his decision was informed by his years of service to the NDC and his desire to promote accountability, transparency and renewed energy within the party’s national leadership.
“I have served the NDC at the regional level, particularly in Ashanti, which is a key battleground for us. It is time we had leadership that prioritises grassroots empowerment, financial discipline and strategic planning,” he said.
He added that, if elected, his focus would be on strengthening the party’s internal structures, improving communication between national executives and the grassroots, and ensuring prudent management of party finances.
“The National Vice Chairman must be someone who understands the base, respects the structures, and can help the party win power and retain it. That is the kind of leadership I am offering,” Mr Otoo stated.
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