Anti-Corruption Combat Must Transcend Paper Regulations, Says Dafeamakpor

Introduction

Ghana’s fight against corruption requires more than just legislative frameworks; it demands tangible action and measurable results. Rockson Dafeamakpor, the Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, has voiced a strong critique of the current state of anti-corruption efforts, arguing that the combat must move beyond rhetoric and “paper regulations.” In a reaction to the controversy surrounding a withdrawn private member’s bill seeking to repeal the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) Act, Dafeamakpor highlighted the widening gap between laws on the books and their practical enforcement. This article analyzes the need for a shift from symbolic legislation to practical application in Ghana’s governance.

Key Points

Background

The Withdrawn Private Member’s Bill

The immediate context for Dafeamakpor’s comments was the withdrawal of a private member’s bill that sought to repeal the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) Act. This legislative move sparked significant public and political debate. Critics of the bill argued it was an attempt to undermine the OSP, while proponents suggested the existing legal framework was flawed or ineffective. Dafeamakpor clarified that the initiative was born out of frustration with the lack of tangible outcomes, rather than an opposition to the concept of an independent prosecutor.

Ghana’s Anti-Corruption Framework

Ghana has established a robust legal framework to combat corruption, including the Anti-Money Laundering Act, the Anti-Corruption Act, and the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). However, despite these “paper regulations,” corruption remains a significant challenge. The gap between the existence of these laws and their successful prosecution of high-level corruption cases is a source of constant agitation for civil society organizations and political actors alike.

Analysis

The Gap Between Law and Enforcement

Dafeamakpor’s assertion that the combat must “transfer past rhetoric” touches on a fundamental issue in governance: the implementation gap. In many jurisdictions, the passage of laws is often mistaken for progress. However, without the political will to enforce these laws and the resources to investigate and prosecute, legislation becomes symbolic. The “widening hole” Dafeamakpor refers to is the public perception that while laws exist, the powerful remain untouchable.

Comparative Effectiveness of Agencies

The Majority Chief Whip specifically praised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Attorney-General’s Department for taking “extra direct motion.” This comparison is significant. It suggests that the problem may not be a lack of legal mandate, but rather the operational strategy and independence of specific bodies. By holding these agencies to a high standard of effectiveness, Dafeamakpor is advocating for a results-oriented approach where the volume of successful prosecutions and asset recoveries matters more than the number of bills passed.

Symbols vs. Tangible Results

The “symbolism” mentioned in the original statement refers to legislative actions that look good on paper but fail to change the reality on the ground. Repealing or amending laws without addressing the root causes of institutional failure—such as lack of funding, political interference, or bureaucratic bottlenecks—leads to a cycle of reform without progress. The analysis suggests that the focus must shift to the output of the anti-corruption machinery.

Practical Advice

For Policymakers and Legislators

To ensure that anti-corruption efforts transcend paper regulations, policymakers should consider the following:

• Impact Assessment: Before passing new bills, conduct thorough impact assessments to determine if the proposed laws address actual enforcement bottlenecks or just create more bureaucracy.
• Resource Allocation: Ensure that anti-corruption agencies are fully funded. Laws are only as effective as the agents and forensic tools available to enforce them.
• Stakeholder Consultation: Engage with opposition parties, civil society, and international partners early in the legislative process to build consensus and avoid retroactive repeals.

For Anti-Corruption Agencies

Agencies like the OSP and EOCO can enhance their credibility by:

• Public Reporting: Regularly publishing detailed reports on investigations, prosecutions, and asset recoveries to demonstrate “visual, sensible motion.”
• Capacity Building: Investing in specialized training for investigators to handle complex financial crimes, ensuring that they can match the sophistication of corrupt actors.

FAQ

Conclusion

Rockson Dafeamakpor’s intervention serves as a crucial reminder that the credibility of a nation’s anti-corruption fight lies in its execution, not just its legislation. While Ghana has a comprehensive set of “paper regulations,” the call to “practicalise” the fight is a call to bridge the gap between the law and the citizen’s lived experience. Moving forward, the emphasis must remain on effectiveness, transparency, and tangible results to restore public trust in the state’s ability to hold power to account.