Speaking on the issue, Wilson Jnr argued that the current constitutional arrangement grants the President excessive powers that undermine checks and balances, weaken institutions and fuel corruption.

He noted that for Ghana’s democracy to mature, power must be dispersed and shared across independent bodies rather than centred in one office.

According to him, the path to reform lies in revisiting the work of the Constitutional Review Commission. Wilson Jnr urged Ghanaians from all walks of life to unite and demand the release and full implementation of the Commission’s report. He stressed that citizens need to know whether the executive provisions of the Constitution can be legally and practically decentralised to ensure greater transparency and institutional independence.

“This is not about politics. It is about the future of our governance system,” he said. “If we are serious about fighting corruption and building strong institutions, then we cannot continue with a system where one office holds the power to appoint, influence and control nearly every arm of government.”

Wilson Jnr believes that decentralising presidential powers will empower state institutions to function without fear or favour, reduce political interference and restore public trust in governance. He called on civil society, religious bodies, traditional leaders and ordinary citizens to make this a collective national demand.

Abu Trica’s lawyer reveals next line of action after bail

Speaking to Adom News in Goaso during the church’s 15th anniversary celebration, which was attended by chiefs, politicians, and technocrats, he expressed concern over the government’s perceived failure to address corruption effectively.

Apostle Afram stressed that without decisive action, the nation cannot curb corrupt practices or achieve meaningful development. He described corruption as the greatest obstacle to progress in Ghana and urged the administration of John Dramani Mahama to hold all corrupt officials accountable under the law.

He further warned that Ghanaians would neither forgive nor forget if the NDC-led government fails to tackle corruption decisively.

Meanwhile, former George Boakye called for unity among residents of the Ahafo Region to drive development. He highlighted the region’s lack of essential resources to improve citizens’ lives and emphasised that collaboration across political divides is crucial for progress.

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, the Abura Asebu-Kwamankese MP said the move is intended to address delays in the judicial system and ensure cases linked to the government’s anti-corruption agenda are handled more efficiently.

“Cabinet has approved the reintroduction of the tribunal system, which, in any event, is in the Constitution.”

He explained that the tribunals will focus on cases involving the government’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative as well as other cases involving illegal wealth.

“It is something that has been resuscitated, and very soon it will be rolled out to deal with cases of ORAL and cases involving illegal money, other cases that clog our court system.”

Mr Kwakye Ofosu’s comments come amid criticism from some anti-corruption advocates who believe the government is moving too slowly in pursuing corruption-related cases.

Responding to concerns raised by some members of the ORAL committee, including former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo, he questioned what critics mean when they say government is not acting fast enough.

“You have to define what the expression means by government is not moving fast enough.”

He pointed to several actions taken by investigative agencies since the Attorney General assumed office.

“The Attorney General was sworn into office sometime in February last year, and within a year, he is able to supervise a situation where 27 dockets and another 40 cases are being looked into by EOCO.”

He said investigations have already led to arrests, prosecutions and asset seizures.

“He has been able to get 140 people and beyond and seized assets worth 1.5 billion Ghana cedis with quite a number of people standing trial.”

According to him, once cases are filed in court, the pace of proceedings is determined by the judiciary and not the executive.

“When a case goes to court, not Mr Dumelovo or any of the critics can determine how the judge conducts the case.”

He stressed that the government cannot interfere with the courts’ work.

“It is not the submission of the individuals saying this, I would imagine that we should manipulate the judiciary to achieve certain political things that government cannot do.”

Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the government’s responsibility is to build strong cases and present them to the courts.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sc22motbkNU?si=wrmVLzZm5EhLiio-

“What government can do is to build a case, gather sufficient evidence and then go to court to convince the court that this individual or that individual has committed this crime.”

“For which reason this punishment ought to be meted out, and where we find any assets involved, we retrieve it for the benefit of the case.”

He acknowledged that delays in the judicial system are a long-standing concern.

“Of course, are we all frustrated about the pace of work of the Ghanaian judiciary? It is a long-standing criticism against the Ghanaian judiciary.”

However, he insisted that the executive cannot control the speed at which judges handle cases.

“As for the fact that government can dictate the pace of cases being handled by a court or a judge, that one is beyond its capacity.”

He said the reintroduction of the tribunal system is one of the measures government is pursuing to address the issue.

“So a lot is happening in that regard.”

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Speaking in an interview on the AM Show, Mr Kufuor said the current salary structure for civil servants and political office holders is unrealistic and creates conditions where corruption can become a coping mechanism rather than an isolated act of misconduct.

According to him, improving governance requires paying public servants competitively while enforcing strict penalties for those who still engage in corrupt practices.

The former president cited the example of Lee Kuan Yew, who famously argued that ministers and senior public officials should be paid salaries comparable to top corporate executives to attract and retain the best talent in government.

“The people I used to fashion these policies are as good as the people in the corporate world getting fat salaries — so they must be paid like the people in the corporate world,” Mr Kufuor quoted Lee Kuan Yew as saying.

He suggested that by that standard, Ghana’s top political offices are significantly underpaid compared to the level of responsibility and expertise required.

Mr Kufuor, however, stressed that better salaries must be matched with strict accountability measures.

“When you choose to be in the public sector, to be well-paid, and you allow yourself to be tempted into red tape and corruption — and they catch you — some of the worst punishments would be visited on you,” he said.

Debate about public sector pay has persisted in Ghana for years, particularly following the introduction of the Single Spine Salary Structure in 2010.

The policy was designed to address wage disparities across the public sector, but critics say it has not fully resolved concerns about fairness and competitiveness in government pay.

Mr Kufuor, who served two terms as president from 2001 to 2009 under the New Patriotic Party, said a comprehensive rethink of how Ghana compensates its public servants is necessary if the country wants to reduce corruption and improve efficiency in public administration.

Speaking at the fifth Dialogue Public Lecture held at the Ama Ata Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing at the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) on November 21, 2025, Mr Afoko said true national transformation will not come from people who simply “join the chorus,” but from those bold enough to challenge norms and refuse to be intimidated by fear or power.

“Living as a non-conformist in a conformist world means refusing to be swallowed by the crowd,” he told the audience. “The ability to question actions before they happen is the trait the youth must adopt if Ghana truly wants progress.”

Mr Afoko acknowledged that non-conformists often face difficulties, but argued that these very struggles are what drive national growth. He cautioned that widespread corruption and the persistence of tribalism remain major threats to development.

“Corruption is everywhere, but when corruption becomes normal and tribalism becomes fashionable, then we have a problem,” he said. “Sadly, tribalism is still around. That is why the youth must stand out and speak the truth even when it is hardest to do so.”

He warned that silence from the country’s brightest minds creates space for mediocrity to dominate public life.

“If the distinguished minds of this country keep quiet, mediocrity will take over,” he said. “And when that happens, the entire nation loses.”

Calling on the youth to recognise the responsibility that comes with standing out, he emphasised that non-conformity is not arrogance, but duty.

“Standing out is being responsible,” he noted. “You might not be noticed today, but you will be noticed eventually. The future belongs to those who refuse to be swallowed by the crowd.”

Mr Afoko added that conformity destroys innovation, justice, growth and progress, warning that if mediocrity becomes acceptable, the nation risks disaster—because intellectuals would then rely on mediocre voices to make laws and policies shaping Ghana’s destiny.

His message echoed the central theme of the lecture: that Ghana’s future depends on courageous citizens ready to challenge harmful norms, defend integrity and insist on accountability.

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Speaking during a meeting with the Christian Council at the Presidency on Tuesday, the President emphasized that his government would handle all corruption-related cases with fairness and without fear or favour.

He noted that integrity must guide the work of public institutions, stressing, “The fight against corruption, we are committed to it. We will be impartial and fair.”

President Mahama also assured that anti-corruption agencies would receive stronger institutional and logistical support. He said the government is working to equip these bodies with the resources they need, including more trained investigators to enhance evidence gathering and effective prosecution.

“We are working to strengthen the institutions and make sure we give them the logistics they deserve. Many of them have asked for more trained investigators, and we are committed to training more in evidence gathering and docket building,” he stated.

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On Tuesday night, Sylvia Bongo and Noureddin Bongo were found guilty of embezzlement and corruption after a trial that began a day earlier. They were not present.

They were both fined 100m CFA francs ($177,000; £135,000), with Noureddin ordered to pay an extra 1.2tn CFA francs ($2.1; £1.6bn) for financial damages suffered by the Gabonese state.

They were accused of exploiting Ali Bongo’s condition after he suffered a stroke in 2018 to run Gabon for their own personal profit. They denied the charges ahead of their trial, describing it as “a legal farce.”

Ali Bongo was ousted in an August 2023 coup led by Brice Oligui Nguema, who has since shed his military uniform and was elected president earlier this year.

Following the military takeover, Bongo’s wife and son were detained in Gabon for 20 months before being released in May and permitted to leave the country for London on medical grounds.

The former president is not facing prosecution and was also released from house arrest where he had reportedly remained, although Gabonese authorities said he was free to move about as he wished.

Separately, a money laundering investigation is under way in Switzerland against Sylvia Bongo, the public prosecutor’s office in the country has told the BBC.

Gabonese state prosecutor Eddy Minang on Monday told the court that they were “surprised” not to see the former first lady and her son in court as the trial began.

Noureddin described the conviction as a “rubber-stamping exercise”, saying it had been “predetermined in [Oligui Nguema’s office] a long time ago”.

He said it was “disappointing that a finding of guilt has been made without any semblance of evidence”.

Their conviction comes as a surprise for the unusual swift handling of the case, which they have alleged to be politically motivated. The trial had been expected to last until Friday.

The trial of the other accused will continue. Nine co-accused, former allies of the Bongos, were present in court at the start of the trial, according to reports.

Sylvia Bongo was born in France and holds French nationality as does her son.

They have claimed they were tortured by the military during their detention in Gabon and filed a case in France last year. Gabonese authorities have denied the allegations.

Noureddin was ordered to pay the extra $2.1bn fine due to his role as the General Coordinator of Presidential Affairs, a position that he allegedly used to embezzle this amount of public money.

He was also accused of forgery as he reportedly had the president’s signature and seal, which were allegedly used to siphon funds from the state. He denies all the charges.

The Bongo family ruled Gabon for more than five decades. Ali Bongo was in power for 14 years before he was ousted. He had succeeded his father, Omar Bongo, who had ruled for 42 years.

Over the years, the family has been accused of amassing wealth for themselves at the expense of the country – allegations they deny.

Despite being an oil-rich nation, about a third of Gabon’s population lives below the poverty line, according to the UN.

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His comments follow accusations by the NPP, which has described the Mahama administration’s ongoing anti-corruption drive as a state-sponsored witch hunt targeting former government officials.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, Mr. Ofosu said the NPP’s recent outbursts were a sign of panic, as they fear accountability under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative being implemented by the government.

“They are not happy that their misdeeds, corruption, and corrupt practices while in government are coming to light. They are unhappy that the Government of Ghana is implementing the Operation Recover All Loot, which is a policy we canvassed before the people of Ghana. Through that, we will be able to hold them to account,” he said.

According to him, the opposition’s criticism of the recovery exercise is driven by fear of exposure.

“They think that by holding them to account, they will be exposed for the people of Ghana to see that they were not trustworthy and that they abused the mandate and resources that were given to them. That is the only reason why they are saying the things they are saying,” he added.

The Minister maintained that the government’s actions are rooted in transparency and justice, not political retribution.

“It is difficult to understand how anyone can oppose a process that involves holding public officials to account,” he stressed.

Source: Emma Ankrah

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Aludiba is standing trial with his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, who has been accused of using her business, Fa Hausa Ventures, to allegedly launder the said stolen money.

They have been admitted to bail in a combined sum of GH¢150 million.

They appeared before the court for the first time on Thursday, Oct 30, 2025.

According to investigators, they found a total of GH¢161,459,987.27 in Fa Hausa Ventures’ account, which the two allegedly invested in money instruments and other securities and investments products for their personal use and benefit.

Bail hearing

Aludiba and Wuni pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of stealing, fraudulently causing financial loss to the state, money laundering, dishonestly receiving, intentionally causing financial loss to the state, dissipation of public funds among others while they appeared before Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay.

Their lawyer, Joseph Dindiok Kpemka referred the court to Article 19(2)(c) of the 1992 constitution which stipulates that a person charged with a criminal offence is innocent until proven guilty.

He added that his clients, who had people to stand as surety for them, had complied with all conditions set by the Economic and Organised Crime Office during investigations and as such, were willing to attend court proceedings to clear their names.

The Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, did not oppose the bail but drew the court’s attention to the gravity of the offences.

Bail conditions

After listening to both sides, Justice Kocuvi-Tay admitted Aludiba to bail in the sum of GH¢100 million with six sureties, four to be justified with landed property.

His wife, Wuni, was admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢50 million with four sureties, three to be justified with landed property within the jurisdiction.

The six sureties are to deposit copies of their Ghana card.

The sureties have also been charged with the responsibility of updating the court as and when there is a change in their addresses.

Meanwhile, the accused persons are to report to investigators every Wednesday until the final determination of the matter.

The case has been adjourned to November 27, 2025.

Background

Per the charge sheet signed by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, Aludiba, and the Head of Finance, Richard Sam-Asante who are the signatories to NAFCO’s account, allegedly caused financial loss of GH¢50, 879,210 to the state by transferring GH¢69,616,226.29 to Sawtina Enterpise, a company which has a Regional Manager of NAFCO, James Tieku-Apawu as its shareholder.

Sawtina Enterpise was supposed to buy and supply foodstuff to NAFCO but after receiving the GH¢69,616,226.29, the A-G alleged that only 20 per cent of the money was actually used by Tieku-Apawu for genuine supplies with Abdul-Wahab, receiving more than GH¢50 million directly, leading to financial loss to the state.

In addition to the GH¢50, 879,210, Aludiba, is alleged to have also stolen an extra GH¢10 million from NAFCO.

He is alleged to have transferred the moneys to his other companies and that of other businesses of his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni.

In all, Aludiba, his wife, Wuni, Sam-Asante, and two of Aludiba’s corporate entities — Aludiba Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, and Energy Partners Limited, a company in which he owns 80 per cent are facing 24 counts of offences.

The Finance Director of NAFCO, Sam-Asante is currently on the run.

Discovery

Aside from the over GH¢50 million, the A-G said investigations discovered that between February 2017 and February 2019, GH¢5,495,748.36 was paid from NAFCO funds to Aludiba Enterpise, a business owned by the NAFCO boss.

The A-G said further investigations also established that Aludiba Enterpise, is not a NAFCO licenced buying company and has never traded or dealt with NAFCO.

Again, in July 2022, NAFCO transferred GH¢251,050 into a bank account of Energy Partners Limited although the company, according to the A-G, has never rendered any services or supplied any goods to NAFCO.

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He emphasizes that the fight against corruption will only yield results when accountability extends beyond junior officers to include internal auditors, directors, and heads of institutions who preside over corrupt practices.

“Internal auditors, directors, and heads of institutions where corruption is identified must also be prosecuted,” he stated.

Domelevo stresses that the legal framework, particularly Article 286(4) of the 1992 Constitution, must be strengthened to give anti-corruption agencies more bite. He argues that the reverse burden of proof and unexplained wealth laws should be enforced to hold public officers accountable for their assets.

“[President] Mahama can eliminate corruption by strengthening Article 286(4) of the Constitution and ensuring that provisions on reverse burden and unexplained wealth are actively enforced,” Mr. Domelevo explained.

He further warns that failure to enforce existing anti-corruption laws will worsen the situation in the near future.

“Corruption cases are likely to worsen in the next five years if we fail to enforce existing laws,” said Mr. Domelevo.

He believes speed and fairness in the justice system are essential in deterring corruption, emphasizing that prolonged legal processes embolden wrongdoers and weaken public trust.

“Fast-tracking corruption cases to a maximum of three months can serve as a strong deterrent to other public officials,” he said.

Source: Barima Kofi Dawson

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, Dr. Ayine revealed that several plea bargain offers had been made by some accused persons, including the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Dr. Ayine emphasised that his office has not been influenced by any external authority or political figure in the discharge of his duties.

“I’m under no pressure from any quarters to cut deals,” Dr. Ayine stated. “Mr. President, who is my boss, has not put any pressure on me. He gives me his blessings when I brief him. The Chief of Staff has not put pressure on me to cut deals with anybody.”

He confirmed that offers had been made in the Wontumi case but stressed that the judicial process must be allowed to run its full course.

“Offers have been made, but I have turned all of them down. I have told everybody, please go to court. In the Wontumi case, offers were made to us for a plea bargain, but I said no—I’m filing charges. If you want to announce your intention for a plea deal, do it before the judge. That is now my strategy,” he explained.

Dr. Ayine also dismissed reports suggesting he was negotiating plea deals with NPP officials, describing such claims as politically motivated.

“The NPP took advantage and said I was cutting deals. No deals have been cut and no deal will be cut,” he maintained.

Chairman Wontumi, who is the first accused in a case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited, is facing multiple charges, including facilitating unlicensed mining operations and assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval.

He has, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Source: Adomonline

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Speaking on JoyNews’ podcast Talk No Dey Cook Rice, she recalled a trader who was jailed for two years for damaging part of an overpass, asking why politicians who commit far worse offences walk free.

“Is it too harsh? I’m not going to comment on that, but are we going to be able to do that to a public servant, a politician, who does the equivalent of damaging that where a road should have been built and it wasn’t done, it’s full of potholes?

“They got the money. We can’t account for how the money translated into a road being built, but they are walking free because maybe they supported someone’s campaign,” she said.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings warned that such double standards weaken democracy and fuel public disillusionment.

“You can’t expect that the citizens should do the right thing. And yet, those who are given higher levels of responsibility and greater access to the nation’s wealth are held to a different standard,” she argued.

The lawmaker also pointed to poor infrastructure projects funded with public money but unfit for use.

She cited a recently handed-over building at the Adabraka Polyclinic by the Coastal Development Agency.

“Have a look at it and tell me whether that is a building that should have been handed over to the clinic without even the involvement of the medical staff, who could at least have advised whether it was fit for purpose.

“Money was spent on that building, even the painting job. I think that some kid in class one would have done a better painting job than what I saw there.”

She linked these failures to a wider culture of irresponsibility among both leaders and citizens.

“When you don’t have leadership that is willing to bring the people along as well and expect more of people, you create a feeling of, well, what difference does it make anyway?” she said.

For Dr Agyeman-Rawlings, true governance requires discipline, integrity, and tough decisions. She contrasted Ghana’s lax systems with countries like Rwanda and Singapore.

“You cannot take plastics into Rwanda. Simple as that. You are not allowed to chew gum in Singapore, whether you’re a visitor or a VIP, no exceptions. There are certain tough decisions you have to take in order to have governance be good, because you can have bad governance.”

She stressed that good governance is not just about elections but about delivering dignity, safety, and accountability to citizens.

“What are the things that you’re doing for the people; that is you’re delivering on time, you’re making sure that the dignity of their citizen is respected, you’re making sure that working conditions are good enough, you’re looking at the roads and making sure that the number of people who are dying in road traffic accidents, is no more than the number of people who are dying of disease in hospital, because then you have a problem,” she said.

Calling for higher standards in leadership, she insisted that those who fail to serve with integrity must be removed.

“We have to, at some point, draw the line and do what is right for the people of Ghana.”

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

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The project, Floodlight Gaming, transforms real-life investigations into interactive experiences, allowing players to step into the shoes of journalists confronting corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental crimes.

By engaging young, digitally savvy audiences, the initiative challenges traditional journalism, letting participants “play through” the dilemmas, risks, and ethical decisions reporters face in exposing the truth.

“For years, my team and I have risked everything to uncover corruption,” Anas said. “But sustaining change also means telling the truth in ways that future generations can carry with them. Gaming offers a powerful way to achieve that.”

Floodlight Gaming includes workshops that bring together journalists, human rights advocates, educators, and game developers to explore how investigative missions can be adapted into playable formats that both educate and entertain while promoting accountability.

The initiative was established by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), the Gabo Foundation, and Anima Interactive, with support from V-Ventures, SpielFabrique, Global Game Jam, Good Game Generation, and the International Game Developers Association (IGDA). These partners provided funding, mentorship, and creative support to make the project possible.

“Hunting the Hunter” Wins Top Award

Berlin-based Greenwave Games won the top prize at Floodlight Gaming’s inaugural global investigative journalism game jam for their game, “Hunting the Hunter”. The winner received $5,000 and a spot in SpielFabrique’s Launchpad Program, which provides mentoring and support.

The winning game, based on Anas’ investigation “Hunting the Hunter: Infiltrating the Cocoa Smuggling Underworld of Ghana’s Western Border”, immerses players in the role of an investigative journalist uncovering a smuggling network that sabotaged Ghana’s economy, deprived farmers, and threatened national security.

“Hunting the Hunter winning this award is a powerful reminder that storytelling and innovation can join forces to inspire the next generation,” Anas said. “This recognition affirms that the fight against corruption can engage hearts and minds far beyond traditional journalism. Above all, I hope it challenges young people everywhere to believe they too can use their creativity and courage to make a difference.”

The inaugural Floodlight Investigative Journalism Gaming Summit, held in Amsterdam on September 24 and live-streamed online, showcased highlights from the game jam finalists and featured discussions between game developers and investigative journalists on storytelling and industry crossover.

“We launched Floodlight Gaming to give game developers worldwide exclusive access to top-notch investigative journalism on organized crime and corruption,” said Floodlight Gaming and OCCRP Co-Founder Paul Radu. “We want to generate a new wave of games that allow developers to create in the public interest. The games submitted were incredible and truly elevated the reporting.”

Other Finalists

The jury selected five finalists from the fictionalized games submitted:

• Dark Money by Polyvale Studios, based on OCCRP’s Laundromat series reporting

• Echoes: El Salvador by Stijn Verstraete, based on reporting by Juan José Martínez d’Aubuisson

• Rise of Viktor Orban by Pol Grasland-Mongrain and Dylhan ‘Zhanko’ Phong, based on reporting by Andras Petho

• Cocoa Capture by Leto du Plessis, Damian Grobler, Matthew Carlton, Kairan Moorlach, and Cale Adamson, based on Anas’ investigations

“In an era of rampant misinformation, our roles as storytellers, developers, and journalists have never been more critical,” said Anima Interactive Founder Karla Reyes. “Video games are one of the most powerful mediums for building empathy, bearing witness, and telling nuanced, complex truths that often do not dominate public discourse. We are grateful to all jam participants and our developer community for being an essential part of the Floodlight Investigative Journalism game jam.”

Developed by Bernard Lis and Chris Vogel, Hunting the Hunter allows players to navigate the challenges of investigating a smuggling ring. The jury called it an “impressive prototype for an open-world game that delivers a great overall experience and strong visuals.”

“I really enjoyed that we were able to ask our questions to the journalist,” said developer Vogel during the event. “It made our game so much deeper than it would have been otherwise.”

Source: Graphic.com.gh

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Speaking at a durbar of chiefs and residents in Atewa East on Thursday, September 25, as part of his Thank You Tour in the Eastern Region, Asiedu Nketia said more former government officials will soon face arrest for misusing public funds.

“As for the arrests, we have only just begun, we haven’t gotten far yet. Anyone who has taken advantage of the country’s resources or embezzled state funds must be held accountable,” he declared.

He called on traditional authorities, clergy, and Muslim leaders to support the government’s renewed anti-corruption drive, describing it as essential to restoring public confidence.

“We call on traditional leaders, imams, and clergy to support us, because we believe what we are doing will help heal Ghana and preserve what Dr. Bawumia himself admits was damaged, so that Ghana can remain strong,” he added.

Source: Adomonline

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The September 2025 poll reveals that 58% of voters believe the government is doing enough to tackle corruption, maintaining a strong majority endorsement of its anti-graft drive.

“On the fight against corruption, the majority of voters believe the government is doing enough in the fight against corruption. 58% of voters say the government is doing enough in the fight against corruption, while 29% say it is not doing enough,” the survey stated.

This comes alongside wider perceptions that corruption levels in the country are improving, with 53% of respondents saying the situation has gotten better.

“On the state of corruption, 53% say it is improving, also down from 60% in July 2025, while 16% say it
is getting worse, up from 13%, while those who say it is the same have increased from 20% in July
2025 to 24% in September 2025,” disclosed in the report.

Significantly, a majority of voters in all regions share this positive assessment.

While 29% of voters think the government is not doing enough, up from 23% in July, the overall findings underscore a prevailing sense of satisfaction with progress in fighting corruption.

The survey suggests that despite growing calls for more robust action, the government continues to enjoy strong public backing in its efforts to strengthen accountability and curb graft.

Source: myjoyonline

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According to him, while politicians often brand opponents as “thieves” during campaigns, the high evidential standard required in court makes convictions much harder to secure.

“The plan of the politicians, when they want to win power, is to just come and tell us somebody is a thief. ORAL is struggling, and ORAL will struggle, because the basis to prove a thief in court is far more difficult than on the campaign platform. When you flag somebody’s name and say that he’s a thief, that’s easy. So ORAL must come and begin to admit,” Adom-Otchere said in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Thursday, September 11.

He further noted that the Attorney-General appears to be prioritising plea bargaining in corruption prosecutions, a strategy that has raised eyebrows among legal experts.

“It seems to be the first thing he’s talking about, and all the lawyers are wondering. So people must come and plea bargain when they say they haven’t stolen?” he questioned.

Adom-Otchere clarified that acquittals in corruption cases do not necessarily mean the accused are innocent but rather that prosecutors failed to meet the high burden of proof.

“The standard of proof is 100 per cent, beyond a reasonable doubt. If you establish 95 per cent, the courts will still not convict,” he emphasised.

He also contrasted Ghana’s political climate with that of advanced democracies, where politicians rarely accuse opponents of theft. Citing an example, he recalled how former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was quietly questioned by police during an investigation without creating a public scandal.

Adom-Otchere blamed Ghana’s political class for what he described as a “lazy culture” of relying on corruption allegations to discredit rivals during campaigns, which in turn creates enormous pressure on successive Attorneys-General.

Source: Emma Ankrah

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse Show, Adom-Otchere challenged what he described as an entrenched but misguided public perception.

“We have been told all the time that the bigger problem is corruption. I beg to differ,” he said. “If you engage with the literature well, you will find out that incompetence is a bigger problem.”

He explained that incompetence is easier to identify and measure compared to corruption, which is often difficult to prove without political bias or legal findings. According to him, Africa’s persistent underdevelopment is driven more by poor management, weak institutional capacity, and ill-informed decision-making than by theft alone.

Reflecting on Ghana’s economic history, Adom-Otchere recalled how the country struggled with poverty and debt, noting key moments such as Ghana’s classification as a Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) in the early 2000s.

“Ghana was said to be a poor country in 1995. In 1998, Ghana was a poor country, and in 2001, Ghana was a HIPC country,” he recounted.

To illustrate his point, the controversial TV host cited a bank established in Ghana in 2006, which, despite operating in what was labelled a “poor country,” has since become massively profitable.

“In the poor country of Ghana, the bank has been profitable,” he observed. “So what really is the problem?”

Adom-Otchere also questioned how corruption is defined and identified in the public sphere, arguing that political narratives often shape perceptions rather than hard evidence.

“People have been told that your problem has nothing to do with competence, so we don’t even look there,” he said. “Our problem is corruption. But how do we know somebody stole money? We were told by the politician that somebody stole money.”

Source: Emmanuel Tetteh

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She made the remarks at a youth engagement programme on “Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption” organised by the NCCE Oforikrom Directorate, with support from GIZ and the European Union (EU).

The event brought together 50 young people from the municipality to equip them with practical knowledge on the rule of law, civic rights, and legal frameworks that promote accountability and transparency.

Ms. Owoo noted that despite attempts by successive governments to tackle corruption, it continues to undermine progress.

“Corruption has a ripple effect on our economy and society. It denies citizens access to quality education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other essential services,” she said.

She identified common forms of corruption such as bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, extortion, facilitation payments, and fraud, urging participants to resist engaging in such practices.

She further stressed that fighting corruption requires grassroots involvement, calling on young people to be ambassadors of transparency and accountability in their communities.

Chief Superintendent Fred Hammond, KNUST Divisional Police Commander, reminded participants to balance their civic rights with civic responsibilities as outlined in the 1992 Constitution. He urged them to report wrongdoing in their communities and work with law enforcement to prevent crime.

Mr. Charles Alex Quainoo, Chief Investigator at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in the Ashanti Region, educated the youth on the Whistleblowers Act (Act 720), describing it as a powerful tool for exposing corruption. He explained that the law protects whistleblowers from victimization while empowering them to disclose acts of impropriety.

Source: GNA

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In its half-year report released today (August 19), the OSP stated that 67 cases were under full investigation, indicating a far-reaching inquiry that spans government ministries, state-owned enterprises, and influential individuals.

This isn’t a random collection of cases; it’s a strategic “hit list” targeting some of the most scathing, high-profile, and controversial issues that have dominated national discourse with high stakes.

It covers alleged malfeasance, promising to unveil layers of suspected corruption and financial impropriety that have long plagued the nation.

The OSP, under the leadership of lawyer Kissi Agyebeng, is pulling no punches, digging deep into cases ranging from land grabs and illicit mining to multi-million-dollar contracts and even the very payroll of the government.

The OSP’s message is a clear indication that the era of impunity is over, with more individuals likely to serve jail time in the coming months.

With these cases, the OSP is not just seeking to prosecute individuals; it is aiming to dismantle the very networks that sustain corruption and restore public trust in the country’s institutions. For Ghanaians weary of empty promises, the OSP’s hit list is a sign of a potential new dawn in the fight for accountability.

Below are the top highlights from the report:

• Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF): Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding MIIF operations between 2020–2024, especially concerning payments made for Agyapa Royalties Limited. This includes investigations into GIG Minerals Limited, RCM Properties, Energy & Resources Company Limited, Goldstrom Ghana Limited, and BH Minerals Limited.

• Ghana Airports Company Limited: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding operations and contractual arrangements between 2020–2024.

• Ghana Education Service: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding the large-scale sale of appointment letters to prospective teachers and the laundering of proceeds from the unlawful enterprise.

• National Commission on Culture: Investigation into operations between 2020–2024, focusing on suspected corruption and extortion related to staff salaries and salary arrears.

• Ghana Revenue Authority / Tata Consulting Services: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences.

• National Service Authority: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding recruitment of national service personnel and related activities between 2020–2024.

• Ministry of Health / Service Ghana Auto Group Limited: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding a contract awarded for purchases and after-sales service and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.

• National Cathedral: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding procurement of contractors and materials, and payments by a former Minister of Finance, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, and payments by the National Cathedral Secretariat.

• Electricity Company of Ghana Limited: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding the termination of a Distribution, Loss Reduction, and Associated Network Improvement Project contract with Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).

• Government of Ghana Payroll Administration: Joint corruption risk assessment and investigation with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in government payroll administration. This aims to remove non-existent, ineligible, and undeserving persons from the payroll, recover wrongful payments, prosecute culprits, and implement internal controls.

• State Lands, Stool Lands, and Other Vested Lands: Investigation into the appropriation, sale, and lease of state-owned lands and properties to individuals and corporate bodies since 1993. This includes lands under the direct stewardship of the Lands Commission, Ministry of Works and Housing, other Ministries, State Housing Company, State-Owned Companies, and other state agencies. It also covers the management of vested lands, public lands where state ownership has been relinquished, and the sale, lease, grant, and disposal by the Lands Commission of parcels of land and bungalows occupied by the Judicial Service of Ghana.

• Illegal Mining: Ongoing investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences.

• National Sports Authority: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding contracts awarded for goods and services to Acoma Green Consult, Tabee Gh. Limited, Wanschie Car Rentals, Obiri Car Rentals, No Farmer No Fortune, STC Clinic, Bobina Solutions, and Mum & Sons Signature.

• Ghana Water Company Limited: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding contracts awarded for goods and services to Nayak 96 Enterprise, Dencom Construction Works, Edmus Limited, Jomaks, Espab Construction Limited, Roger More Construction Limited, Velech Enterprise, Intermec Gh. Limited, and A.J.I. Trading & Construction Limited.

• Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority: Investigation into the issuance of customs advance rulings and markdowns of benchmark values, and suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding auction sales of vehicles and other goods between July 1, 2016, and August 15, 2022.

• Bank of Ghana: Investigation into the banking and financial sector crisis that led to the collapse of some banks and financial institutions, targeting alleged corruption and corruption-related offences by officials of the Bank of Ghana, banks, specialised deposit-taking institutions, and financial holding companies.

• Estate of Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, alias Sir John: Investigation into alleged improper acquisition of state-protected land at the Achimota Forest enclave and the Sakumono Ramsar site by a deceased former Chief Executive.

Source: David Apinga

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, July 2, during a discussion on “Corruption Watch: Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL)”, Madam Asamoah urged citizens to take an active role in the anti-corruption fight by volunteering relevant information.

“The ordinary citizen is the reason why we are here today, and we want the citizens of Ghana to offer information because EOCO, FIC, OSP—we cannot do everything by ourselves,” she said.

“People have information, so we are using this platform to plead with all Ghanaians: if you have information on any corrupt activity or on any property that somebody is hiding somewhere, offer that information to EOCO, FIC, OSP so that we can take the discussion and investigation from there.”

She also underscored the need for the media to understand the legal frameworks guiding EOCO’s operations to help demystify claims of politically motivated prosecutions.

“We want the media to understand our laws, know what we do, and be able to advocate for EOCO and FIC,” she noted.

“They can also use that opportunity to inform the public about the legal processes, because some people do not understand. The media has the platform to educate the public on the right laws that institutions are using for their prosecutions, so people don’t get the wrong impression that these are political prosecutions.”

Source: Myjoyonline

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Speaking at an ongoing orientation programme for MMDCEs in Accra, President Mahama underscored his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

He reminded the appointees that their actions will directly impact the success of his government and the trust of the people they serve.

He revealed that 80 percent of the District Assembly Common Fund has been allocated directly to the MMDCEs and urged them to manage the funds prudently to address the developmental needs of their districts.

“I will not shield anyone from investigations if anti-corruption institutions begin probing your activities. You are expected to work with integrity and ensure that every cedi is accounted for,” the President stated.

Mahama also reiterated his directive for all MMDCEs to declare their assets by July 15, 2025, in accordance with constitutional provisions. He warned that any appointee who fails to comply will face consequences.

The orientation is designed to equip the new MMDCEs with the tools and knowledge required to effectively carry out their responsibilities in line with the government’s development agenda.

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Africa is reported to lose at least 50 million dollars through the illegal activities as political actors and a complex network of syndicates siphon funds across African borders through money laundering, tax evasion, transfer pricing and other forms of corrupt and business scandals.

The illicit act continues to plunge the continent into inequalities, vulnerability, conflicts and multidimensional poverty.

Ashanti Regional Director of the Economic and Organized Crimes Office (EOCO), Edward Cudjoe is worried over the growing illegal operations which impede national and continental growth.

“The extent of illicit financial flows is getting bigger and Ghana is no exception. We are losing billions of dollars through illicit financial flows. It denies countries the funds that they could have ordinarily used for development,” he warned.

Addressing journalists at a two-day intensive workshop in Kumasi, Mr. Cudjoe emphasized the critical need for journalists to widen their investigative skills in exposing the means through which monies illicitly exit offshore.

“As integral partners in dealing with crime, it is always important that we get to those who inform the public to set the tone and to raise discussions on illicit financial flows. This training is to aid the journalists understand IFFs and to know what to look out for so they can tell the story. What these stories do is that they expose and block the channels through which funds flow out of the jurisdiction,” he emphasized.

Role of Journalists

The training exposed journalists to in-depth understanding of illicit financial flows, progressive taxation and related offenses.

It expanded on the legal and regulatory regimes for addressing IFFs, and the sophistry of methodologies adopted by offenders.

Through a series of comprehensive theoretical and practical sessions, the training afforded participants the opportunity to learn about international organizations at the forefront of the fight against illicit financial flows.

As the country grapples with various tax regimes, particularly regressive ones, many individuals and businesses are compelled to reluctantly honour their tax obligations.

They are forced to engage in various unlawful conducts including tax evasion, tax avoidance and tax fraud.

On the heels of this disturbing trend, the journalists were further trained on progressive taxation to appreciate Ghana’s taxation laws.

Executive Director for Green Tax Youth Africa, Nii Addo is advocating reduction on the reliance on regressive taxes which bring about tax injustices.

“Taxes must be fair, sustainable and equitable in order not to overburden the poor, vulnerable and marginalized in society. Government must rely more on taxes like corporate taxes that are progressive rather than on regressive taxes levied on everyone regardless,” he noted.

MFWA Strategic Partnership

Programs assistant – Media for democracy and Good Governance with the Media Foundation for West Africa, Paul Gozo explained that the initiative was a timely response to the growing menace of Illicit Financial Flows and the global discourse surrounding progressive taxation.

“While illicit financial flows were thriving, we realized the media did not have the capacity, the training and the technical know-how to do stories on these critical issues. So the plan is to train 80 journalists on how to spot IFFs and issues of progressive taxation so that we can adequately report on it; get the issues to the fore and then see how we can curb it going forward,” he said.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Thursday, March 27, Baffour stated that the case, in which Adu-Boahene is accused of embezzling state funds, exposes critical weaknesses in Ghana’s financial oversight and accountability structures.

“I think it (the scandal) shows the flaws in our system; we’ve got serious flaws in our preventive system,” he remarked. “If somebody can go to a bank and take GH₵7 million out, whether it is his money or not, it should raise red flags either for GRA or those monitoring authorities because there is something wrong with it.”

He noted that the situation reflects broader institutional failures, with inadequate checks and balances allowing mismanagement to go undetected for extended periods.

“Our institutions are not doing their work,” he bemoaned.

Baffour urged the government to take urgent action to strengthen financial oversight mechanisms and ensure public officials handling state resources are held to the highest standards of accountability.

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Speaking during a courtesy call on the Ghana Bar Association on Wednesday, Mahama emphasized that ORAL serves as a structured platform for whistleblowers to report corruption cases, with proper investigative mechanisms in place.

“One of the pressing challenges we face is corruption and accountability in public office. It has, unfortunately, become the norm for individuals to dip their hands into the public purse or misappropriate funds,” he stated.

He noted that corruption ranked among the top five concerns of Ghanaians during the last campaign, making it imperative for his administration to take decisive action.

Mahama explained that ORAL was designed to provide a direct reporting platform for whistleblowers, including a hotline that received over 2,000 calls. While some allegations were unfounded, several credible cases were forwarded to the Attorney General for further action.

Dismissing claims that ORAL is a tool for political persecution, Mahama assured that its sole purpose is to strengthen Ghana’s anti-corruption framework.

“I want to make it clear—this is not an instrument for witch-hunting. It is a vital mechanism to support the fight against corruption,” he affirmed.

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A spokesperson for the country’s sports ministry told the AFP news agency that the conviction related to an “unlawful contract between the FTF and a technical director” during Jary’s time in office.

The 52-year-old’s lawyers say he will appeal against the verdict.

Jary was first elected head of the FTF in 2012 and faced multiple allegations of impropriety during his reign, including match-fixing, financial misconduct and money laundering, all of which he denied.

Local media also reported on disputes between Jary and the sports ministry, while in January 2021 he received a four-year ban from the Tunisian National Olympic Committee after it claimed he had “breached national and international Olympic ethics codes”.

Despite that ban, Jary was elected to the Confederation of African Football’s (Caf) executive committee just two months later.

He remained on the the committee while awaiting trial, with Caf general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba telling the BBC last year that the organisation was “not protecting crooks” and would make a decision on Jary once a verdict was delivered by the Tunisian legal system.

After the charges against him emerged, Jary was taken into custody in October 2023.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, February 18, he didn’t hold back on the widespread misappropriation of public funds by officeholders.

“We are not suspicious of them (public officials), but they have proven time and again that they have been stealing the public funds. That’s the part—the evidence abounds,” vociferous Domelevo said.

“Look at the Auditor General’s report. You see that people holding public funds have always been misappropriating or using the money for their benefits.”

He pointed out that the pattern of wealth accumulation among public officials is alarming, especially considering their official earnings.

“Many of them have been in office for just four years, a maximum of eight years, but see how filthy rich they are. They are terribly rich. And if you look at their salaries—I used to tell some of the MPs that as Auditor General, my salary is bigger than yours, but you seem to be 100 times richer than me. How did you make it?” he quizzed.

“The truth on the ground—not suspicion—is that they have been stealing public funds. That is why we want to know how much you had before coming into office and how much you had on your exit. I’m not saying all of them, but some clearly have been abusing their office.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Domelevo recounted several challenges in enforcing asset declaration laws.

“Yes, I did have some interesting encounters with the enforcement of the law,” he noted.

“In fact, when we started, it was clear that even the judiciary—who we thought should be at the forefront of law enforcement—didn’t declare. Including the former Chief Justice and several High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court judges, they were all not declaring.”

Daniel Domelevo expressed frustration at the lack of consequences for such non-compliance, especially from institutions tasked with upholding the law.

“When people complained or petitioned the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), I was completely disappointed when the Commission just said that, well, there are no punishments prescribed in any law for them. Or that Act 550 does not prescribe any punishment. So, go and sin no more,” he recounted.

He questioned the inconsistency in the application of constitutional requirements.

“I thought that if the Constitution says you should do something before you can enter office, and you didn’t do that before coming to office, you are occupying the office unconstitutionally,” Domelevo stressed.

“For instance, could President Mahama just wake up on January 7, 2025, and say that he’s been voted for as president, so he’s going to start without being sworn in? No, it cannot happen.

“But how come we religiously comply with those requirements—including swearing in ministers—but when it comes to asset declaration, which the same Constitution demands before assuming office, people ignore it?” he asked.

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According to him, former officials of the Akufo-Addo administration, including former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, will not escape investigations.

The comment from General Mosquito, as he is popularly known, came in response to the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) declaration that Mr. Ofori-Atta is wanted and a fugitive.

In a video circulating on social media, Mr. Nketiah vowed that the NDC government will go to any length to bring former President Akufo-Addo’s cousin to face the law.

“Wherever Ken Ofori-Atta is hiding, we will find him by all means. He must avail himself for questioning on multiple cases. All former officials implicated in corruption will be compelled to face the law,” he asserted.

He emphasized that the government will enforce strict accountability measures, even within its own ranks, to ensure nobody escapes justice if found guilty of corruption.

“We will tighten the noose on accountability, and even elements within this government who engage in corrupt activities will not go scot-free,” he added.

Meanwhile, as a starting point for the Mahama-led administration, the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) committee has compiled complaints of 2,417 suspected corruption cases, which are currently being scrutinised by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, for investigation and possible prosecution.

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He says that no matter what color is added to the act of the executive paying money before, during, or after the work of the Committee, it still falls within the realm of corruption.

Former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, while on Joy News’ PM Express, claimed that a committee he chaired to vet appointees of the erstwhile Nana Akufo-Addo administration were paid money by the then Chief of Staff.

He called the money ‘facilitation’ and rejected suggestions it fell within the bribery bracket. He argued that the facilitation could not have influenced the work of the committee, especially since it came after the committee had completed its work.

But Samson Lardy Anyenini disagreed, stating that ‘facilitation’ itself is captured as one of the many terms defining corruption in Ghana. He added that no matter how small the amount, ‘facilitation’ constitutes corruption.

Listen to Samson, Joe Osei-Owusu and private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu share their views on the subject.

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Speaking on JoyNews, Mr Ablakwa reiterated the government’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for the unlawful acquisition of public resources.

“The Mahama government is determined to recover all looted state funds and properties,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

He explained that ORAL was established to act as a watchdog over state resources, ensuring that public assets are not only safeguarded but also restored where they have been wrongfully taken.

“This initiative is not about witch-hunting but about protecting the public purse and ensuring fairness in the use of our national resources,” he added.

Mr Ablakwa stressed that the operation would be thorough and impartial, vowing that no one would be exempted from scrutiny.

“We are sending a strong message that impunity will no longer be tolerated. Those who have engaged in corruption or benefited from the unlawful appropriation of state resources will be held accountable,” he said.

He further noted that the recovery of such resources is critical to addressing Ghana’s economic challenges.

The ORAL chairman also called for public support in the fight against corruption.

He encouraged citizens to provide credible information about looted state assets, assuring them of confidentiality and protection.

“This is a collective effort, and with the support of patriotic Ghanaians, we can build a nation where accountability and integrity are prioritised,” Mr Ablakwa concluded.

Source: Ernest K. Arhinful

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The committee is expected to collect and investigate corruption cases, which will then be handed over to the relevant authorities for further examination and prosecution.

According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, the work of the committee will require significant funding, and it is important to know the source of the funds that will support its activities.

“Nobody should have to ask Ablakwa (chairman of the committee) how the committee’s work is going to be funded. If a private individual is funding it, they are talking about corruption; we need to know who is funding it,” he said while discussing current affairs on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, 18 December.

He argued that, if the committee is privately funded, corruption could eventually arise in their camp, but if it is publicly funded, the NPP would want to understand the process for allocating those resources.

The outgoing Majority Leader continued, “Whose money are they going to use to buy fuel? Whose money will they use to set up an office?” he asked.

Afenyo-Markin emphasised that the NPP would also investigate the committee’s work.

The five-member committee was set up by Mr Mahama on Tuesday as part of his efforts to combat corruption and the looting of state resources.

Source: Albert Kuzor

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Among the initiatives under this contract is Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), a bold anti-corruption drive to investigate allegations of misappropriation, recover state resources, and prosecute offenders.

Addressing members of the Apostolic Fathers during a courtesy call, Mahama expressed confidence in the feasibility of the plan.

“We have carefully selected the things we believe are achievable within 120 days. We will work diligently to ensure that, at the end of this period, we can check each of them off. I will soon inaugurate a committee focused on achieving these goals,” he stated.

The President-elect stressed his administration’s resolve to uphold constitutional principles of probity and transparency.

“We want to raise accountability to another level. It’s a constitutional obligation for us to ensure that public officeholders account for the trust placed in them,” he said.

“If you run your own private business, you can do as you wish, but when taxpayers place you in an office funded by their contributions, you must be prepared to account for every resource entrusted to you,” he added.

Mahama described the 120-day agenda as a “last chance to get things right,” acknowledging that corruption is a longstanding issue in Ghana and the sub-region.

However, he underscored the urgency to restore public trust in the country’s democratic institutions.

The 120-day agenda serves as a critical first step in delivering on Mahama’s promise of enhanced accountability and governance.

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In an interview with Germany-based DW TV, Mahama outlined plans to implement bold governance reforms, strengthen anti-corruption frameworks, and enforce accountability across public institutions.

He acknowledged public frustration over the misuse of public resources, inefficiencies in governance, and the nation’s rising debt.

“Corruption and waste are major obstacles to our progress,” Mahama stated.

He emphasized his intent to introduce constitutional reforms aimed at fostering transparency and fiscal discipline.

Mahama also pledged to impose strict penalties on individuals engaged in corrupt practices.

“One of the first things we will do is revisit the constitutional review process to create a more dynamic and effective governance structure. We must fight corruption and waste at a higher level, ensuring our economic managers handle resources in a way that prevents the debt crises we’ve seen.”

The President-elect highlighted the need to align constitutional reforms with modern realities, incorporating mechanisms to promote accountability and impose meaningful consequences on those who exploit public office for personal gain.

Mahama believes these reforms will not only strengthen governance but also ensure a more efficient and responsible management of Ghana’s resources.

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“A corrupt person will not fight himself or correct himself,” he said. “We cannot leave the fight against corruption in the hands of the leaders who are already corrupt”.

As the guest speaker of a regional conference organized by the Crusaders Against Corruption in Kumasi, Mr. Domelevo cited the example of Ghanaians rising against the building of a new Parliament House, which led to the decision being abolished. He encouraged citizens to take similar action against corruption.

Mr. Domelevo also urged citizens to expose wrongdoing, citing Kenya as an example, where citizens rose against certain decisions made by the Kenyan President.

He prayed that “we Ghanaians can pour out on the streets to act against a governmental decision they feel could breed corruption without destroying anything.”

The former Auditor-General emphasized that Ghana needs leaders who will ensure a fair sharing of the national cake, rather than those who develop one part of the country at the expense of others or misappropriate funds allocated for important projects.

“We need leaders who are fair and just, who ensure equal access to resources and opportunities for all citizens,” he said.

Mr. Domelevo lamented the harm corruption has caused the country and the need for change. He encouraged the youth to take a new path to build the nation and emphasized that leaders who boast of past achievements should be ashamed of not being able to preserve the good things for today’s youth.

The Chief Crusader of the Crusaders Against Corruption, Emmanuel Wilson, said the conference has “the aim of having a mass movement of conscientized citizens who have the urge to fight corruption.”

Similar events have been held in the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions, with plans to hold others in the Northern parts of the country.

The allegations relate to a deal signed in 2022 that saw CVC pay 1.5bn euros (£1.25bn) for a 13% stake in LFP’s new subsidiary company related to TV rights.

The contract was criticised in a recent report by the French Senate, which questioned who stands to benefit from the deal.

Investigators are now looking into the conditions under which it was agreed, including into a 37m euros (£30.8m) bonus that was supposed to be shared out on completion between banks, lawyers and the league’s bosses.

“We can confirm that searches are currently under way, including at the offices of the Professional Football League as well as those of the investment fund CVC,” said a PNF statement.

“These actions are part of an investigation that was opened and then assigned to the Paris Research Section on 16 July, 2024, on charges of embezzlement of public funds, active and passive corruption of a public official, and illegal conflict of interest.”

The LFP, which manages the top two tiers of French football – Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 – has been struggling financially following the collapse of a previous television deal in 2021.

CVC manages around 193bn euros (£161bn) of assets across the world including numerous investments in sport, most notably the Six Nations and Premiership Rugby.

The deep thinker, Prof, H. Kwasi Prempeh, delivered the paper on the theme; “The Problems of Democracy in the 4^th Republic”.

He was as thought-provoking as the discussants, including Prof. Dzodzi Tsikata and Sulemana Braima who joined him on the topic; “The Crisis of Citizenship in Contemporary Ghanaian Democracy: Lessons from the Life and Times of the late A. Akoto Ampaw”.

I wrote today’s Take listening to Prof. Stephen Adei and others at the 25^th Anniversary event of the Ghana Integrity Initiative – GII, that is the local chapter of global watchdog, Transparency International.

I was inspired to conclude that three things hold back the progress of this beautiful country and endanger its peace;

1.  extreme partisanship of the NDC/NPP duopoly that divides even tribes and families;
2. corruption, especially grand corruption that enriches the few and impoverishes the majority in country rich in gold, cocoa and oil; and
3. the indiscipline that allows reckless unlicensed driving, and galamsey to thrive in the face of laws against it.

In 2023, 87% of citizens were of the view that Ghana was badly managed. Today, by the latest Afrobarometer survey, 82% believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.

The report highlights current economic hardships with 82% of respondents saying they have experienced some level of poverty over the past year, a stark increase from just 19% in 2017.

Again, 7 out of 10 Ghanaians have gone without cash income at least once in the past year, while many face shortages in essential services like medicare, water, food, and cooking fuel.

A worrying 74% believe the corruption situation has worsened. They have seen a public officer caught with millions of dollars in her bedroom. People like her are not subject for prosecution.

They are rather defended by the President. Prof. Adei insists widespread corruption in high public office is no longer a matter of perception but reality.

He invites us to look at the cost of primary elections alone when the political parties are doing their internal elections.

A CCD survey in 2022 revealed it cost over 100 million dollars and over 4 million Ghana Cedis to run a successful presidential and parliamentary campaigns respectively. They do not get these huge sums from space.

They steal it from your taxes. He indicts those involved for demanding bribes. He is sad-worried that the institutions set up to fight corruption are themselves very corrupt; the Executive, Parliament, the Judiciary.

For Prof. Adei, corruption is not receding because leaders don’t mean it when they say they are committed to fighting it.

He believes we may now be dealing with double or more of the three billion dollars figure on record as the amount that is unaccounted for each year. Ghana is at the IMF how much?

He joins the GII and Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition’s years of campaign to adopt the civil law reverse burden of proof for corruption.

The need, including for rules, as advanced by CHRAJ Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Whittal, will ensure that people accused of acquiring wealth beyond their means will be the ones to prove they got the wealth by legitimate means.

Next week, I hope to elaborate on the long-standing proposed approach to implementing the unexplained wealth provisions in Chapter 24 of the Constitution and why current Conduct of Public Officers Bill must not pass if assets declared will not be subject to verification and publication, and if prosecution for offences under it will not be by the OSP but the often-complicit Attorney-General’s Department.

What a sham are we up to? And that’s My Take.

Samson Lardy ANYENIN

November 2, 2024

He argued that equating corruption with serious crimes, such as murder, would ensure that offenders face severe legal consequences, thereby deterring others from engaging in corrupt practices.

“We have to make grand corruption a felony in Ghana and must treat it in the same way as we treat murderers because they do more harm than them,” he said during the launch of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) in Accra on Wednesday.

He was speaking on the theme: “Twenty-five Years of Advancing the Vision of a Corruption-Free Ghana: Reflections on the Way Forward.”

Prof. Adei stated that corruption continues to pose a significant threat to national development, despite numerous efforts to combat it.

He noted that the fight against corruption had not produced the expected results, attributing this to a lack of interest and commitment from leadership over the years.

“I personally believe that the major reason corruption seems to be so difficult to tackle is that the leadership of Ghana pays lip service to fighting corruption but does not have an iota of interest in tackling this canker.

“Leadership is the cause; everything else is the effect, and unless we discover a means to build that part of leadership and make them accountable for not only presiding over a corrupt system but possibly actively participating in it and at best acquiescing to it, we are not going to go anywhere,” he said.

Prof. Adei, therefore, called for drastic measures, including making corruption a felony and a high-risk venture, as well as tackling it in a more ruthless manner.

“The next stage of fighting corruption should be much more militant, not in terms of guns, but with passion and anger because if we do not act very soon, this nation—seeing what is happening with galamsey and the rest—will have no nation. Without fighting corruption, our nation cannot be great and strong,” he said.

Prof. Adei also advocated for the establishment of robust systems to combat corruption, suggesting that Ghana could emulate countries like Rwanda, Estonia, Denmark, Brazil, and Singapore, which have successfully addressed the issue.

He urged the state to invest in digitalization to minimize human interaction within various institutions as a means of reducing opportunities for corrupt practices.

“Again, there must be verifiable and open asset declarations for all political office holders and senior public servants, and this must have a legal basis,” he proposed.

Mr. Sammy Darko, Director of Strategy, Research, and Communication Division at the Office of the Special Prosecutor, expressed concern about the public’s apathy towards the fight against corruption.

“I think that leadership is a problem, but I also see a public that appears to have been enchanted. Did you see the passion and anger with which Ghanaians stood up against LGBTQ? Have you ever seen that passion being used against corruption before, in Ghana? No.”

Additionally, Mr. Joseph Whittal, Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), stressed the necessity of reversing the burden of proof in corruption cases.

This approach would require public officials accused of corruption to prove their innocence rather than placing that burden on state institutions.

He praised the Ghana Integrity Initiative for its dedication to combating corruption and shaping public policies over the past 25 years.

Established in 1999, GII is a non-partisan, non-profit civil organization dedicated to combating corruption and promoting good governance in Ghana.

As the local chapter of Transparency International, GII plays a crucial role in the global fight against corruption, collaborating with civil society organizations in over 120 countries to enhance transparency and accountability.

Mrs. Mary Addah, Executive Director of GII, highlighted the organization’s significant contributions to the fight against corruption in Ghana over its 25 years of existence.

She noted that GII had played a crucial role in advocating for the passage of key legislation, including the asset declaration and disqualification regime established in 1998, which has helped to enhance accountability and transparency in public service.

“We have been part of several other landmark legislations, including the Right to Information (RTI). In the case of the OSP, we led the civil society coalition that made very strong recommendations for the enactment,” she noted.

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At the 8th Sociological and Anthropological Conference in Kumasi, the GSAA expressed deep concern over the widespread corruption in various state institutions, including the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and public service departments.

According to the GSAA, corruption in state institutions has become a major obstacle to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which Ghana has committed to achieving by 2030.

Addressing the 8th conference of the association, guest speaker, Professor Kofi Osei Akuoko, indicated the numerous cases of bribery, embezzlement, and nepotism in public institutions undermines public confidence.

“Corruption in institutions undermining poverty alleviation; health and education that is SDG’s 1,3 and 4” he indicated.

Prof. Akuoko observed institutions of state charged to deal with issues of corruption are under-resourced.

He called for bold steps to tackle corruption.

“Institutions established to combat corruption such as CHRAJ and the OSP have not been immune to allegations of corruption due to political interference. This weakens the National fight against corruption” he added

President of the GSAA, William Boateng added that measure must be put in place to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Sustainable development goals are goals that universally have been put on grounds that all countries are expected to work towards attaining.”

“As social workers we deem it important to interrogate what we are doing as a country to attain these goals” he said.

The 8th Conference of the Association was under the theme “Sociological and Anthropological Discourse on Sustainable Development Goals”.

These measures, he noted, have been implemented through significant upgrades in the legal administration system, which are already producing results.

“We’ve also taken strong, systemic steps to combat corruption, rooted in a holistic program of legislative, administrative, financial and technological reforms. We’ve established the Office of the Special Prosecutor, a critical institution in the fight against corruption, and we’ve provided them with the necessary tools to prosecute those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of the Ghanaian people,” he said on Monday, September 9, 2024.

According to him, “During my first term in office, Parliament passed the Witness Protection Act in 2018 which I signed in law to create a witness protection scheme for individuals cooperating with law enforcement, especially in corruption cases.”

He made these remarks at the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) conference in Kumasi.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has been widely criticized for its failure in the fight against corruption.

Critics, civil society organizations, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), and a section of Ghanaians have raised concerns about the impact of this issue on national development.

But Nana Akufo-Addo recounted the passage of the Critical Offences Amendment Act of 2020 which “elevated corruption from a misdemeanour to a felony with harsher sentences of 12 to 25 years in prison.”

“In addition, my administration has driven the passage of several key laws that bolster the state’s ability to fight corruption.”

He believes these frameworks among others have “strengthened the institutional framework to combat corruption and ensure accountability.”

“Administratively, a series of other far-reaching measures have been undertaken by my government to help in the fight against corruption” President Akufo-Addo aadded.

Source: Kenneth Awotwe Darko

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According to him, those claiming the alternative is scary are persons who have looted from the public purse and wish to escape accountability.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the lead-up to the December, 7 elections has cautioned voters against the consequences of electing a previously failed government.

Mostly on social media, anytime the NDC was mentioned as a replacement for the ruling party, its members would comment “The alternative is scary”.

However, addressing teeming NDC supporters at Somanya in the Eastern region, Asiedu Nketia subtly admitted to offering a scary alternative for persons who perpetuate crime against the state.

“When you hear the NPP always shouting the alternative is scary, tell them that indeed the alternative is scary for persons who have stolen the taxpayers’ money, tell them it is scary for those who dug the biggest hole in the whole world, tell them it is scary for all the people who have set up the Agyapadie empire and stealing for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” he said.

The National Chairman has been campaigning in parts of the Eastern region for the party and its flagbearer, John Mahama ahead of the December, 7 elections.

As part of the tour, General Mosquito as he is affectionately called boasted about the performance of the NDC in government against that of the NPP.

He believes the NDC has the plight of the people at heart than the NPP.

Source: Edwin Kofi Siaw

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Echoing the pledge made by NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama during the party’s manifesto launch at the University of Education, Winneba, on Saturday, August 24, Mr Nketia affirmed that the NDC plans to thoroughly investigate and prosecute all corrupt officials associated with the current government.

He dismissed claims that the NDC is a “scary alternative” to the NPP, suggesting that these warnings from NPP leadership are part of a strategy to dissuade voters from supporting John Dramani Mahama.

Mr Nketiah argued that such concerns are voiced by those who fear being held accountable for their misdeeds.

Speaking to NDC supporters in Somanya in the Eastern Region, he asserted that those branding the NDC as a frightening option are merely attempting to evade justice.

“That is why President Mahama stated in Winneba that the next NDC government will not act out of greed or mistreat Ghanaians for selfish gain.

“For those who claim that the alternative is scary, tell them it is only scary for wrongdoers. If you are a thief or a criminal, the alternative should indeed be frightening. Under our government, no corrupt individual will go unpunished.”

Source: Adomonline

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In a post on X, the veteran musician shared a reflective message about how, growing up in Africa, many people were taught to believe that thieves were mostly the uneducated or unemployed.

However, he now argues that this belief is far from the truth.

Tic Tac pointed out that, the real thieves are often the educated individuals who operate within the confines of legality, using their knowledge and authority to engage in corrupt practices.

He specifically called out those who wear coats and wield pens, suggesting that these individuals are the ones who steal through more sophisticated means by forging figures and manipulating documents.

“Growing up in Africa, most people thought thieves were mostly the uneducated or unemployed people, but now everyone knows that it is completely wrong! The real thieves are the educated ones in coats with a pen to steal via forging figures and papers for silly explanations when they are caught” he wrote.

Check out his tweet below: 

Source: Dennis Kofi Adu

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In a statement, the CDD called for immediate reforms to address the escalating costs of political campaigns and the subsequent grand corruption within the government.

To confront these issues, the CDD urged presidential candidates and political parties to commit to critical reforms within their manifestos to reduce the financial burdens of politics and tackle corruption at its core.

The CDD emphasised the need for comprehensive new legislation and a robust regulatory framework to govern campaign and party financing.

Specifically, the CDD proposed that this new framework should establish clear guidelines for donations and expenditures, ensuring transparency and accountability.

“Reducing the cost of politics and curbing corruption at the source is crucial. The increasing monetization and rising costs of politics are corrupting the electoral process and fueling pervasive grand corruption in government.

“The current system governing campaign and party financing is wholly inadequate. There is an urgent need for new, comprehensive legislation to regulate the sector. This new regulation must set clear parameters for party and campaign donations and expenditures, establish an official campaign period of three to six months, standardize and regulate internal party electoral processes and financing, and create an enforcement body for the new rules.

“Comprehensive legislation on party and campaign financing should be passed, establishing clear rules for capping donations and expenditures for both internal and external party processes.”

Additionally, the CDD called for the swift passage of the long-pending Conduct of Public Officers (COPO) bill, which has been stalled for over a decade.

This bill is intended to close loopholes in the public sector and promote transparency and accountability.

“One of the primary drivers of public sector corruption is the abundance of opportunities for corrupt officials and their collaborators to exploit weak internal controls in public services to siphon public funds.

“Numerous public ethics prohibitions, such as influence peddling, conflict of interest, and nepotism, have not been adequately codified. The passage of the long-overdue Conduct of Public Officers (COPO) bill will help close this loophole, which is exploited daily by public officials to avoid accountability.

“However, the bill in its current form requires significant improvements, particularly in strengthening its asset disclosure provisions and introducing new rules on unexplained wealth.”

Source: Adomonline

According to him, the rate at which people in authority abuse their power contributes to the rise in the canker.

In an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Monday, August 9, 2024, Mr Domelevo was worried by how the unchecked influence wielded by those in positions of power often leads to unethical practices and the misappropriation of resources.

“Influence peddling brings about a lot of corrupt activities. It brings about people not doing what is expected of them, and then we activate this mechanism… where people are called to intervene. At times you are in office and you are told a group of chiefs and elders have come to look for you.

“They come and they tell you that we heard that you are going to surcharge this person, he is one of our people. He is the eye of our place, if you hold him accountable it will be a disincentive for our young ones.”

This, he argues, undermines public trust and hampers efforts to combat corruption effectively.

“Because of that, at the end of the day there is a huge element of corruption,” he added.

His comments come amid growing concerns over transparency and accountability within both government.

The former Auditor General added that Parliament must take action to ensure that there are laws preventing conflict of interest.

She emphasised that while single-sourcing is legal under specific conditions, its increasing use has raised concerns about public sector corruption.

Single-sourcing procurement involves the buying entity selecting a particular supplier without opening the process to competitive tender.

This method, though legal under certain circumstances, is often seen as a gateway for corrupt practices within the public sector.

Madam Addah highlighted that many stakeholders have linked the prevalence of corruption in the public sector to the frequent use of single-sourcing procurement.

She argued that relying on a single supplier without competition undermines transparency and accountability in the procurement process.

To combat this issue, the GII Executive Director recommended that public procurement should be subjected to a competitive tendering process.

She believes that this approach would help eliminate corruption by ensuring that all suppliers have an equal opportunity to bid for contracts, thereby promoting fairness and transparency.

Madam Addah’s call for reform comes amidst growing concerns about the integrity of public procurement practices.

She stressed the need for stringent measures to ensure that public procurement processes are fair, transparent, and free from corruption, ultimately contributing to better governance and public trust.

“Out of the total procurement window, almost 85 per cent of it is done through a single source. And if it is a single source, it means there are a lot of compromises being reached.”

“If people are buying school materials, textbooks, and the rest in the education sector, health items, and we are procuring them through single source procurement, while the IMF has recommended that we do a lot more of the competitive tendering, then it means we are compromising on the regime and that affects mostly the private sector.”

In its latest directives, all persons wishing to transact forex business must do so with a Ghana Card, and unlicensed operators will be arrested and prosecuted.

However, the Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana, argues that these measures may not achieve the intended effect.

He explained that the black market provides an interface between the underground economy driven by corruption and the formal economy.

“The reality is that if you create the kind of economy that we are presiding over, it is going to be difficult to eliminate the black market.

“So, if you don’t deal with corruption and the rest, it is going to be difficult to think that merely by dealing with the black market, you will sustainably be eliminating black market effects in your economy. It is not going to work,” he said.

Professor Bokpin questioned the sustainability of this move, pointing out that the BoG’s previous efforts to address black market activities were not sustained.

“Who stopped them? Why was it a nine-day wonder? What gives us the impression now that this move will be sustainable?” he questioned.

Prof. Bokpin He also believes that the Bank of Ghana has a role in addressing this situation by ensuring that they harmonize the official rates and transactional rates in the market.

Play attached below:

This, according to her, is because corruption is the biggest threat to Ghana’s democracy.

Speaking during the campaign launch of the NDC in Tamale in the Northern Region on Saturday, July 27, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings stressed that there will be zero tolerance for corruption.

“Do you know that the biggest threat to our democracy is corruption? It is not what we are seeing happening around us in other countries, it is corruption. And this corruption has been presided over by this NPP government. But today, what we have to do is to promise one another and to promise John Mahama that we will set the bar high when it comes to zero tolerance with respect to corruption,” she added.

The NDC lawmaker urged the citizens to demand accountability from leaders and work together to combat corruption.

According to her, “The pellets of good governance include accountability, transparency, probity, integrity but all of this starts with us. When we come to power, we must uphold these principles and guard them dearly if we are to protect this republic of ours. Are we going to make sure that we put an end to the blatant corruption that we are seeing in Ghana? Then we must vote for the NDC.”

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In her view, if someone commits an offense, they must be prosecuted.

“I will not entangle myself with corruption. If someone commits an offense, they must be prosecuted—that’s the principle the NPP government upholds” Madam Abubakar stated.

When the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led by President Akufo-Addo came to power, he promised to tackle corruption head-on.

However, it has faced significant criticism from stakeholders for failing to meet the expectations of the Ghanaian people.

Numerous corruption scandals have emerged under the current administration, with the most recent case involving the former Minister of Water and Sanitation, Cecilia Dapaah.

But in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mrs. Abubakar stated that the Akufo-Addo government is genuinely committed to the fight against corruption.

She pointed to instances from the previous administration where individuals have been prosecuted by the current government.

“If there are allegations of corruption, one must present evidence and report to the proper authorities. You cannot accuse people in government without proof.” she said.

She also mentioned specific cases involving accusations from individuals like Okudzeto Ablakwa.

“For example, Okudzeto Ablakwa has made several allegations against the government but has failed to provide substantial evidence,” she said.

The Information Minister maintained that, the Akufo-Addo government is following due process to fight corruption.

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