Ghana Ranked 81st in 2017 Corruption Perception Index

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The 2017 edition of  corruption perception index ranked Ghana  81st out of 180 countries involved in the survey. 

 The survey which was done by  the Transparency International reveal a massive  drop  from 70th position in 2016 to 81st position in 2017 in   terms of public perception of corruption in public sector.

 This was contained in the latest (2017) Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in 180 countries and territories.

 Out of a possible score of 100 percent Ghana had 40 percent.

 This according to the Executive Director for Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) Linda Ofori Kwafo is the worst performance by the country in the combat against corruption.

 ln a press briefing last Wednesday, Mrs Kwafo indicated the country fell 3 points below its score in 2016 (43%), and 7 points cumulative for the 2015 score of 47%.

 This score is the lowest in Ghana’s score since 2012.

 The index released by Transparency International, marked its 25th anniversary this year.

 The index reveals some disturbing information despite attempts to combat corruption around the world, with the majority of countries moving too slowly in their efforts.

 Mrs Kwafo however, noted  despite Ghana's  abysmal performance, was better off than 36 sub-saharan countries.

  She adds, in spite of the country’s efforts at erupting the menace, corruption still remains a serious problem.

 Mrs kwafo explains the score is likely evident of the inadequate investigations into corruption allegations, prosecutions and sanctioning of corruption during the period under review.


RECOMENDATIONS
  • The CPI recommended that governments and businesses must do more to encourage free speech, independent media, political dissent and an open and engaged civil society.
  • Also governments should minimise regulations on media, including traditional and new media, and ensure that journalists can work without fear of repression or violence. In addition, international donors should consider press freedom relevant to development aid or access to international organisations.

  • The survey further recommend that civil society and governments should promote laws that focus on access to information. 

  • This access helps enhance transparency and accountability while reducing opportunities for corruption. It is important, however, for governments to not only invest in an appropriate legal framework for such laws, but also commit to their implementation.

  • Also activists and governments should take advantage of the momentum generated by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to advocate and push for reforms at the national and global level. Specifically, governments must ensure access to information and the protection of fundamental freedoms and align these to international agreements and best practices.
  • Lastly they recommend governments and businesses should proactively disclose relevant public interest information in open data formats. Proactive disclosure of relevant data, including government budgets, company ownership, public procurement and political party finances allows journalists, civil society and affected communities to identify patterns of corrupt conduct more efficiently.

  • Story: Stephen Cudjoe

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