Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has emphasized Ghana’s pivotal role in continental anti-corruption efforts and outlining a path for revitalizing its current framework.
Speaking at the High-Level Conference on Ghana’s Anti-Corruption Architecture, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang mentioned Ghana’s historical commitment to combating corruption, noting her status as one of the first nations to ratify the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption in 2007. This early commitment, according to her was further demonstrated by submitting the first baseline report to the AU’s anti-corruption body.
She asserted that Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture is built on solid foundations, citing the 1992 Constitution and comprehensive legislation, including the Criminal Offenses Act, the Whistleblowers Act of 2006, and the Right to Information Act of 2019, alongside the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in 2017.
Despite this robust institutional framework, the Vice President acknowledged a critical challenge, where she indicated that despite the solid measures outlined, the country’s performance on Key corruption indicators has stagnated, and in some cases, declined. This concerning trend, she noted, highlights the urgency of revitalization efforts and underscores the crucial role of leadership.
She highlighted initiatives such as “Operation Recover on Loopholes (ORA), designed as a symbol of the incumbent Mahama led administration’s commitment to fighting corruption sends a clear message that the act will not be tolerated. She also pointed to the launch of a comprehensive code of conduct for all presidential appointees, establishing clear ethical standards from the highest echelons of government.
The Vice President further emphasized the President’s commitment through his pledge to review and renew the 1992 Constitution, aiming to make it fit for purpose to address contemporary governance challenges. Another significant step she mentioned was the appointment of a presidential advisor on the National Anti-Corruption Program, a first since 1992, signaling a strategic approach to coordinating anti-corruption efforts.
Prof. Opoku Agyeman linked anti-corruption efforts directly to Ghana’s economic future, highlighting that Africa requires an estimated $2.8 trillion in financing to meet climate adaptation needs, making every dollar lost to corruption a critical missed opportunity. She asserted that Ghana’s economic recovery and long-term prosperity depend on its ability to demonstrate reliability as stewards of public resources.
Looking ahead, the Vice President stated that revitalizing her anti-corruption architecture offers Ghana an opportunity to reclaim her position as a continental leader in accountability reform. She cited Ghana’s early participation in the AUABC review process, combined with its democratic traditions, vibrant civil society, and institutional foundations, as a strong platform for this leadership. However, she cautioned that leadership requires not just intentions, but measurable results.
Concluding her address, the Vice President affirmed that the theme of revitalizing Africa’s anti-corruption architecture acknowledges both achievements and shortcomings, recognizing that building integrity systems is not a destination, but a continuous journey requiring constant renewal and adaptation.
“We must remember that corruption is not inevitable,” she passionately declared. “It is a choice to prioritize personal gains over public good, short-term benefits over long-term development, and narrow interests over national progress. The fight against corruption is a choice to demand better from our leaders and from ourselves and to build the Africa our children deserve.”
She urged a collective recommitment to this fight, thus to revitalize institutions, strengthen laws, empower citizens, and work together across borders a crucial element given the artificiality of current boundaries. This cross-border collaboration, she stated, is essential to build an Africa that is truly prosperous and peaceful, driven by its own citizens and guided by the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
