Former Auditor General Daniel Domelevo, in a compelling call to action, has urged anti-corruption bodies in Ghana to swiftly investigate and impartially prosecute corrupt elected officials.
Speaking at a panel discussion organized by the Harvard Club of Ghana, a reputable institution known for its advocacy for good governance, at the University of Ghana School of Law, Domelevo emphasized the need for decisive action against those in power to combat corruption effectively.
The discussion, themed “Corruption to Integrity: Transforming Governance in Ghana,” highlighted the critical role of leadership in addressing corruption.
Domelevo asserted that holding high-ranking officials accountable would send a clear message about the consequences of corruption.
“We don’t need to go to our schools to teach our children what corruption is. Just target the people at the top, and everyone will learn a lesson,” he stated.
He stressed that the issue is not rooted in Ghanaian culture but in leadership failures and government misconduct.
Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, advocated for a more activist media approach in combating corruption.
He proposed the establishment of an independent National Media Commission to oversee public service broadcasting, free from political influence. This commission, if established, would be responsible for ensuring that the media operates with integrity and transparency, thereby enhancing its role in exposing and combating corruption.
Simons argued that a media not reliant on commercial interests or political ownership would significantly enhance the fight against corruption, instilling a sense of hope in the audience.
Meanwhile, Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) and Commissioner of Police, reaffirmed her office’s unwavering commitment to tackling corruption, providing reassurance to the audience.
She noted that the EOCO received prompt responses from the Office of the President and assured that the office would act on any necessary investigations or prosecutions within its mandate, provided sufficient evidence.
Ghana’s ongoing struggle with corruption continues to impact its reputation as a stable democracy in West Africa.
Despite efforts to address the issue, the country’s score on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) has remained stagnant at 43 out of 100 for the fourth consecutive year, a decline from its peak score of 48 in 2014.
