Accra, Ghana//-Globally, the world is still struggling with corruption, and the 2023 Global Corruption Index highlights disparities in the reduction of corrupt practices.
Countries in Europe considered to have a low risk of corruption continue to make progress in reducing their risk. However, regions like Africa and Asia show stagnation or worsening in this regard.
On the supply side of corruption, there is a failure to enforce existing anti-corruption laws, ensure accountability, and uphold the rule of law. More so, state institutions struggle with weak accountability and ineffective anti-corruption measures, despite government investments.
In response to these challenges, a roundtable Discussion (RTD) under the theme: “New Frontiers in Governance, State Capture and Corruption Worldwide, implications for Ghana and Africa” was held in Accra to foster a broader discussion on advancing global initiatives to combat corruption.
The RTD was organised by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), in partnership with the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), IMANI Africa, the Africa Center for Energy Policy (ACEP) and the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana-Legon (GRASAG).
Speaking at the event, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Dankwa, the Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), emphasised that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility.
She stressed that combatting corruption extends beyond leadership, asserting that individuals have a crucial role to play.
She believes that changing attitudes towards corruption and increasing awareness of its negative impacts on society is crucial. Individuals are encouraged to actively resist corrupt practices and report instances of corruption when encountered.
The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng also expressed his concern regarding the challenges faced by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OPS) in their efforts to combat corruption.
He highlighted the paradoxical situation in Ghana, where it is essential to fight corruption, but caution must be taken to prevent a counterproductive approach that might undermine the efforts of the OPS and its officers.
“Are we ready to fight corruption? Are we ready to allow OSP to fight corruption? The situation in Ghana now, is we must fight corruption, but we do not fight corruption.” Do we genuinely detest corruption, or have we accepted it as part of culture,” he quizzed.
Professor Daniel Kaufmann, a Senior Fellow at R4D and Brookings Institution, also emphasized the importance of strengthening institutions and laws to combat corruption.
This highlights the potential for positive change through targeted action and the implementation of effective measures to address this critical issue.
Additionally, independent press freedom is crucial in the fight against corruption, providing a platform for people to expose and confront corrupt practices.
Research Analyst and Coordinator, CDD-Ghana, Mavis Zupork Dome, presented findings on corruption perception in Africa and Ghana.
Utilising data from Afrobarometer surveys, the presentation offered insights into African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. The latest survey round (2021/2023) comprehensively covers 39 countries.
The roundtable was an inclusive and comprehensive platform that brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on advancing global initiatives and other efforts aimed at addressing corruption.
By Ike Dzokpo, African Eye Report
