18.4% of Ghanaians admit to bribery, police units perceived the worst culprits

18.4% of Ghanaians Admit to Offering Bribes; Police Most Corrupt

A recent report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) revealed that 18.4% of Ghanaians admitted to offering bribes in 2024. The report highlighted that men were more likely than women to engage in bribery with public officials.

Omar Seidu, Head of Social Statistics at GSS, presented findings from the Governance Series Wave 1 Report. He noted that 55.7% of the population had contact with public officials between January and December 2024.

The Police Motor Transport and Traffic Division was seen as the most corrupt institution, with 61% perception of bribery. Other institutions included Police General Duties at 46.7%, Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at 37.9%, and Traffic Management Authority/City Guard at 34.4%.

Bribery incidences were highest in Greater Accra at 22% and Ashanti Region at 18.1%. The lowest incidences were recorded in Savannah and North East Regions, both around 1%.

Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, welcomed the report's findings. He stated that corruption remains a significant barrier to Ghana’s development.

An Afrobarometer Survey from 2024 showed only 23% of Ghanaians felt police operated professionally. Additionally, only 17% believed police officers never engaged in crimes or used excessive force.

Only 28% of Ghanaians expressed trust in the police force. The survey indicated that a staggering 63% believed most or all police officials were corrupt.

During his campaign for president, John Mahama pledged to combat corruption effectively before the December elections. He emphasized restoring integrity and fairness missing under previous governance.

Ghana's score on the Global Corruption Perception Index has declined again this year. It ranked 80th out of 180 countries assessed by Transparency International.

The Ghana Integrity Initiative stated this lower score reflects setbacks in anti-corruption efforts since 2015, marking a five-point drop over the past decade.