Ghana’s ranking in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) has renewed national debate on corruption and accountability. The country scored 42 out of 100, ranking 80th out of 180 countries, its worst performance in five years. Although Ghana still performs above the Sub-Saharan African average of 33, the declining score highlights growing concerns about public sector corruption and weak accountability. This issue is critical to Ghana’s governance, economic stability, and public trust.
Understanding Ghana’s CPI Ranking
Transparency International’s CPI measures perceived levels of public sector corruption. Ghana’s 2024 score reflects persistent challenges, including:
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Petty bribery in public services
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Nepotism and favouritism
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Weak accountability systems
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Corruption within the police, judiciary, and land administration
These challenges are rooted in institutional weaknesses, low public sector salaries, poor ethical standards, and a patrimonial political culture that blurs the line between public office and personal gain.
Impact of Corruption on Citizens and Businesses
Corruption continues to affect everyday life and economic activity in Ghana:
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Citizens often pay bribes for basic public services
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Businesses face demands for illegal payments to secure licences and permits
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Public trust in state institutions continues to erode
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National development efforts are undermined
Ethical Standards, Patriotism and National Development
At the start of 2026, public discourse on corruption intensified following remarks from national leaders.
Religious Perspective
Rev. Stephen Wengam, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Ghana, urged citizens to be:
“Demonstrably patriotic, incorruptible and hardworking to advance national development.”
Drawing lessons from the biblical Patriarch Abraham, he linked Christian values to patriotism, productivity, and ethical conduct, while criticising prosperity-focused teachings that ignore moral discipline.
Political Perspective
Vice-President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, speaking at a durbar in Ada, emphasised unity and responsibility:
“We have a country to build, and everybody is part of it.”
She encouraged citizens to prioritise discipline, service, and national interest.
Notably, both leaders focused largely on ordinary citizens, with limited reference to elite-level corruption, which many believe causes the greatest harm to national development.
ORAL Initiative and the Fight Against High-Level Corruption
President John Dramani Mahama, upon returning to office, launched Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) to recover stolen state assets and prosecute high-profile corruption cases.
Unlike petty corruption, ORAL targets:
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Senior public officials
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Politically exposed persons
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Large-scale misappropriation of state resources
However, one year on, public frustration is growing due to:
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Delays in prosecutions
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Failure to publicly name suspects
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Lack of visible convictions
Former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo has stressed that the credibility of the anti-corruption fight now depends on decisive action by the Attorney-General, particularly in handling ORAL-related cases.
What Must Be Done to Restore Public Trust
To rebuild confidence and reverse Ghana’s declining CPI performance, the following steps are critical:
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Prosecute High-Profile Corruption Cases Promptly
Elite-level corruption must be punished to demonstrate real accountability. -
Strengthen Institutional Independence
Anti-corruption bodies must operate without political interference. -
Improve Transparency and Public Communication
Citizens must see progress, not promises. -
Lead by Example at the Top
Ethical leadership from political and business elites is essential.
Until powerful individuals are held accountable, appeals to patriotism and morality among ordinary citizens will ring hollow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Ghana’s CPI score in 2024?
Ghana scored 42 out of 100, ranking 80th globally.
Is Ghana more corrupt than other African countries?
Ghana performs better than the Sub-Saharan African average, but corruption remains a serious concern.
What is the ORAL initiative?
Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) is a government initiative aimed at recovering stolen state assets and prosecuting high-level corruption.
Why are Ghanaians frustrated with ORAL?
Due to delays, lack of prosecutions, and limited public accountability so far.
