Anti-Corruption Efforts: Public Sentiment on Corruption Persist Despite Institutional Reforms, Says Prof Osae-Kwapong
Prof. John Osae-Kwapong, a prominent governance and democracy expert with the Centre for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana), speaking at a media workshop focused on anti-corruption and governance reforms in Accra on October 22, 2024, addressed the ongoing challenges faced in Ghana’s fight against corruption.
He noted that while the establishment of key institutions—such as the Office of the Special Prosecutor—represents significant progress, the public’s perception of the effectiveness of these measures remains troubling.
Prof. Osae-Kwapong further emphasized that despite the creation of robust regulatory frameworks, there is a growing sentiment among the populace that the government is falling short of delivering tangible accountability.
“The public is not witnessing enough punitive action against those accused of corruption, which fuels the perception that we are not winning this battle,” he remarked.
The governance expert highlighted the crucial role of due process but stressed that combating corruption also necessitates a political approach. He advocated for visible actions, such as temporarily suspending individuals under investigation, to foster greater public confidence in the integrity of the system.
Prof. Osae-Kwapong further pointed to the importance of judicial independence and the necessity for a balanced power dynamic between the branches of government. He commended recent reforms in parliamentary procedures, which have begun to empower minority parties, as a means to strengthen legislative oversight and counter executive dominance.
“Ensuring proper oversight of the executive by a robust legislature is essential in restoring public trust and achieving effective governance,” he concluded, indicating that while institutional frameworks are being strengthened, a cultural shift in political accountability remains critical for sustainable progress in the fight against corruption.
The media workshop on governance and anti-corruption forms part of the Anti-Corruption Initiative for Enhancing Governance and Accountability Project which is jointly spearheaded by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), and the Africa Center for Energy Policy (ACEP), with support from the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth Development Office.
The initiative aims to empower journalists with the tools necessary to report more effectively on governance and anti-corruption measures.
