Ghana has recorded a slight decline in the latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI), dropping from a score of 43 in 2023 to 42 in the 2024 rankings.

This was disclosed in a press release issued on February 11 by the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), the local chapter of Transparency International.

According to the report, Ghana now ranks 80th out of 180 countries assessed, reflecting a setback in the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.

The GII highlighted that since 2015, Ghana’s CPI score has dropped by five points, underscoring persistent challenges despite various policy interventions and institutional reforms.

“Since 2015, Ghana has dropped five points on the CPI, reflecting ongoing difficulties in tackling corruption.

This suggests that the policy, legal, and administrative reforms require further review and strengthening,” the statement noted.

In response to the decline, the GII has proposed key reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s fight against corruption:

Parliamentary Reforms: Parliament should enhance financial oversight by empowering the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) with enforcement authority and establishing a Budget and Fiscal Analysis Department (BFAD) to promote fiscal discipline and prevent financial mismanagement. Judicial Reforms: The judiciary has been urged to establish a specialized anti-corruption court, similar to Tanzania’s model, to fast-track corruption-related cases and ensure accountability. Executive Action: The government must prioritize the passage of the Conduct of Public Officers’ Bill, which seeks to strengthen asset declaration laws, regulate conflicts of interest, and impose sanctions for non-compliance.

The GII emphasized that Ghana’s progress in fighting corruption depends on coordinated efforts among key institutions.

While some advancements have been made, the latest CPI rankings indicate the need for stronger and more sustained reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance