The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has raised concerns over the inadequacy of Ghana’s current legal framework in effectively tackling corruption.
Samuel Appiah Darko, Director of Strategy, Evaluation, and Communication at the OSP, highlighted the need for more robust anti-corruption legislation during a forum held in Accra on Thursday, November 14.
“Ghana has a multitude of laws, but they lack effectiveness,” Mr. Appiah Darko stated. He pointed to gaps in the existing legal framework, noting that the laws are often fragmented and insufficiently enforced.
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He specifically addressed the yet-to-be-passed Conduct of Public Officers’ Bill, expressing relief that it has not been enacted in its current form. “As it stands now, if we pass it, it will become another white elephant,” he said, suggesting that the law needs significant improvement to avoid becoming ineffective.
Mr. Appiah Darko also highlighted the lack of clear guidelines on issues such as gift acceptance, comparing Ghana’s situation to other countries like the UK, where there are strict limits—such as a £300 cap for MPs—on the value of gifts that can be accepted.
In contrast, Ghana’s proposed Conduct of Public Officers’ Bill does not establish such a ceiling, reflecting the broader need for stronger, clearer anti-corruption measures.
