Ghana loses an estimated $3 billion every year to corruption, according to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). The revelation, made by CHRAJ Commissioner Joseph Whittal during an event at Accra Technical University (ATU), underscores the urgent need for stronger national integrity efforts. The warning highlights how corruption continues to hinder education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment—making Ghana corruption a matter of national concern.
The Heavy Cost of Corruption in Ghana
According to Mr Whittal, the losses result from:
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Tax evasion
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Smuggling
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Misapplication of public funds
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Entrenched leakages across state institutions
He cautioned that these losses deny the country critical resources needed to secure a stable and prosperous future for young people.
Collective Effort Needed to Fight Corruption
The Commissioner emphasised that the fight against corruption cannot be left solely to state institutions.
“Every citizen must ask what they are doing to fight corruption. If you do not uphold integrity within your own space, how will an anti-corruption body know what is happening there?” he said.
CHRAJ urged the youth to play a central role by:
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Rejecting bribery
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Reporting wrongdoing
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Holding leaders accountable
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Demonstrating integrity in their schools, communities and workplaces
Youth Most Likely to Pay Bribes – CHRAJ Survey
Findings from the 2021 Actual Corruption Survey revealed troubling trends:
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Ages 25–34 recorded a bribery prevalence rate of 29.9%
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Ages 18–24 recorded 23.9%
Mr Whittal warned:
“If nearly half of our youth are already paying bribes, then we must reflect seriously on who becomes the next generation of leaders.”
Public Institutions Perceived as Most Corrupt
National surveys show that the following institutions consistently rank highest in perceived bribery and unethical practices:
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Ghana Police Service
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Lands Commission
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Prosecutors, judges and magistrates
These patterns, CHRAJ noted, undermine public trust and obstruct effective governance.
Corruption in Schools: The Root of Bigger National Problems
Mr Whittal explained that corruption does not begin only in high-profile political circles. It often starts with seemingly small unethical behaviours in schools, including:
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Examination malpractice
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Cheating
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Grade buying
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Favouritism
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Misuse of student funds
These early behaviours, he said, become seeds that grow into greater national corruption challenges.
CHRAJ Calls on Youth to Rethink Values
CHRAJ Director of Anti-Corruption, Stephen Azantilow, warned that corruption affects every Ghanaian.
He explained:
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It weakens democracy
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Increases national development costs
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Reduces the quality of public services
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Diverts public resources into private pockets
He encouraged young people to choose whether they will be the honest worker or the beneficiary who feeds off the system.
ATU’s Commitment to Integrity
The Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to embedding integrity in academics and administration, consistent with its motto: Integrity.
FAQ
1. Why does corruption cost Ghana so much?
Because large sums of money are lost through tax evasion, smuggling, public fund mismanagement and bribery across institutions.
2. Which institutions are most affected by corruption?
CHRAJ surveys consistently rank the police, Lands Commission, and judicial actors highest.
3. Why focus on youth in the anti-corruption fight?
Surveys show that young people are the most likely age group to pay bribes, making early intervention essential.
4. How does corruption start in schools?
Acts like exam malpractice, favouritism and misuse of funds cultivate unethical habits that later manifest at the national level.
