The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has raised concerns regarding President Akufo-Addo’s approach to tackling corruption in Ghana.
According to the IEA, the President’s perceived inaction in combating corruption is troubling and has raised alarm among conscientious Ghanaians.
Despite the establishment of two Special Prosecutors, the IEA contends that the effectiveness of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is hindered by constraints imposed by the appointing authority. Dr. John Kwakye, the Director of Research at the IEA, articulated these concerns during a press briefing on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
Dr. Kwakye criticized President Akufo-Addo for omitting corruption from his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). He also pointed out a significant flaw in the OSP Act, which requires the Special Prosecutor to seek approval from the Attorney-General before initiating prosecutions.
To enhance the OSP’s ability to combat corruption, Dr. Kwakye proposed amending the Act governing its operations to ensure independence from executive influence.
“Given the critical importance of addressing corruption in Ghana, it is unacceptable for the President to overlook this issue,” Dr. Kwakye remarked.
The IEA’s critique coincides with Ghana’s ongoing struggle against rising corruption levels, as evidenced by its ranking of 88th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2023.
During his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Akufo-Addo was expected to cover various key issues, including security, governance, education, health, and infrastructure. However, the IEA’s criticism implies that the President may have neglected to adequately address corruption.
The IEA’s call for the OSP to operate independently from executive influence echoes previous demands. In December 2023, the IEA proposed amendments to relevant laws to safeguard the OSP’s independence.
This criticism highlights the pressing need for Ghana to strengthen its anti-corruption efforts. Addressing corruption is not only crucial for Ghana’s domestic stability but also essential for upholding its international reputation as a member of the global community.
