Ghana's new anti-corruption plan aims for accountability and public trust

Ghana has launched its new National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NEACAP), with President John Dramani Mahama pledging to enhance accountability and ethical leadership within government institutions. The unveiling took place at the University of Ghana in Accra last week, where Mahama referred to corruption as "a national development challenge" that undermines institutions and erodes public trust.

Key Features of NEACAP

The five-year strategy seeks to improve coordination among anti-corruption institutions and strengthen oversight across the public sector. It aims to promote ethical leadership and enhance citizen participation in accountability efforts. The new plan replaces the previous National Anti-Corruption Action Plan, which was criticized for inconsistent implementation despite a comprehensive legal framework.

• Strengthening oversight
• Promoting ethical leadership
• Increasing citizen participation

According to Transparency International, Ghana's corruption issues remain significant, with the country scoring 43 out of 100 on the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), ranking 76th globally.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite the new framework's emphasis on ethics and measurable targets, experts warn that its success hinges on the political will of leaders to enforce the law consistently. Mary Awelana Addah, executive director of Transparency International Ghana, noted that corruption has led to a deficit of nearly €15 billion identified in the auditor-general's 2024 report.

"The corruption problem in Ghana is a very large one. It's been very costly to the state. It is endemic and systemic in nature," Addah stated.

Public Trust and Media's Role

Trust in public institutions is at stake, as journalists question whether Ghana can convert its anti-corruption commitments into meaningful accountability. Sulemana Braimah, executive director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, highlighted that the gap between investigative reporting and actual sanctions poses a critical challenge.

Ghana's latest CPI score indicates progress has been "slow and uneven," raising concerns about the effectiveness of the new system. Analysts like Eric Mawuena Egbeta express cautious optimism, stating that lessons learned from previous plans could lead to more effective outcomes.