GACC calls for collective action to tackle corruption in Ghana

Ghana's fight against corruption has stalled in recent years. The country has a score of 43 out of 100 on the international corruption index. This score has remained unchanged for three years. It is considered inadequate for a nation aiming to be corruption-free.

The financial impact is significant. Ghana loses over $3 billion each year to corruption. This amount matches what the country seeks from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In response, the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) is taking action. They are calling for better collaboration among anti-corruption agencies. These include the Office of the Special Prosecutor and CHRAJ. They also want more citizen involvement to tackle this issue.

During a regional workshop in Bechem, Harrison Cudjoe spoke about these needs. He emphasized the importance of enforcement and civic engagement. “There is more room for improvement in fighting corruption,” he said. “We need everyone involved to reduce this problem.”

Cudjoe noted that the government should strengthen laws against embezzlement and misappropriation. However, citizens must also stay vigilant and report suspected corruption.

He urged President John Mahama to review a specific section of the new Code of Conduct for public officials. This section addresses gifts received by public appointees but ignores gifts given by them. “This loophole must be fixed,” he stated.

The workshop was part of GACC’s SARIS initiative, which promotes accountability and transparency in Ghana. This initiative works with CDD-Ghana, GII, and other local partners, funded by the European Union.

SARIS aims to enhance institutional responsiveness through media development and civil society empowerment. The GACC has conducted similar training programs in Bono and Bono East regions as well.

These programs help citizens understand public financial management and audit processes better. Yaw Gyebi, a participant, expressed gratitude on behalf of attendees: “The knowledge we’ve gained will benefit us all.” He added that unity can help win the fight against corruption.