Special Prosecutor calls for a rethink of Ghana’s anti-corruption fight

Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has called for a major change in Ghana’s anti-corruption strategy. He urges a shift from foreign theories to a practical approach. This new approach should be rooted in Ghana's socio-cultural context.

Mr. Agyebeng spoke at the West Africa Regional Anti-Corruption Policy Dialogue. The event took place at the Alisa Hotel in Accra. He argued that current efforts often miss the mark. They do not reflect the real experiences of Ghanaians.

“Theories do not match practice,” he stated. Corrupt actors are becoming more clever, he noted. We cannot continue with ineffective methods, he added. He emphasized the need to rethink our fight against corruption.

This new strategy should address national needs like education and healthcare. “If we tailor our fight against corruption to our context, we can ensure resources reach their intended purposes,” Mr. Agyebeng explained.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has submitted proposals for constitutional reforms. They advocate for a dedicated chapter on anti-corruption in the constitution.

“For the past week, we have made proposals to the Constitutional Review Committee,” he said. These include defining what corruption means within a legal framework.

Many Ghanaians still lack clarity on what constitutes corruption, according to Mr. Agyebeng. Most people describe it only as unethical behavior without understanding its deeper principles.

He stressed that the constitution should reflect society's commitment to fighting corruption. “We want this process to express society’s will on corruption,” he concluded.

The dialogue gathered anti-corruption leaders, civil society members, and policymakers from West Africa. They aimed to explore collaborative strategies for addressing corruption effectively.