Legal Framework Obsolete in Fight Against Corruption – Prof. Prempeh
The Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, has criticized Ghana’s legal framework, arguing that it is too outdated to effectively combat modern forms of corruption.
Speaking as a reviewer at the 5th Constitution Day Public Lecture, delivered by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng under the theme “A Few Good Men: Suppressing and Repressing Corruption and State Capture in Aid of Development”, Prof. Prempeh emphasized the urgent need for legal reforms to strengthen anti-corruption efforts.
Call for Legal Innovation
While acknowledging that the 1992 Constitution provides mechanisms for tackling corruption, he maintained that many of Ghana’s legal doctrines and institutions remain archaic, making it difficult to address the increasingly sophisticated nature of corruption.
“There are tools within the constitution, even as it stands today. It is not perfect, but it does contain provisions that could serve as the foundation for a credible fight against corruption,” he remarked.
However, he cautioned that without significant legal innovation, Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts would remain ineffective.
Outdated Legal Doctrines a Major Challenge
Prof. Prempeh further argued that Ghana continues to rely on laws dating as far back as 1962, while corruption evolves with time.
“In developed nations, legislation is regularly updated to counter emerging threats. Our outdated legal framework is simply not fit for purpose,” he stated.
His remarks reinforce growing calls for constitutional and legal reforms to enhance Ghana’s ability to combat corruption and state capture effectively.
