Introduction

Ghana’s ongoing battle against corruption faces renewed scrutiny as former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo highlights the slow pace of legislative reforms. Despite recent improvements in public perception, Domelevo warns that critical anti-corruption laws remain stalled in Parliament, weakening systemic integrity and allowing potential graft to persist unchecked.

In a recent interview on Joy News’ PM Express, Domelevo emphasized that while fewer high-profile scandals may improve perception indexes, lasting change requires enforceable laws and swift judicial action. This article explores his key concerns, the status of pending legislation, and the broader implications for Ghana’s governance and anti-corruption efforts.

Key Points

Background

The State of Corruption in Ghana

Ghana has long struggled with corruption in public office, affecting sectors from mining to public procurement. While the country ranks relatively well in regional comparisons, persistent issues such as illegal mining (galamsey), contract inflation, and asset misappropriation continue to erode trust in institutions.

The Corruption Perception Index (CPI), published annually by Transparency International, measures perceived levels of public sector corruption worldwide. Ghana’s score has fluctuated in recent years, influenced by both actual reforms and media coverage of scandals.

Previous Anti-Corruption Efforts

Under previous administrations, various anti-corruption bodies have been established, including the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in 2017. However, their effectiveness has been limited by legal gaps, resource constraints, and political interference.

Domelevo, who served as Auditor-General from 2016 to 2021, was known for his firm stance on accountability, often clashing with political actors over audit findings. His tenure highlighted the need for stronger legal frameworks to support institutional mandates.

Analysis

Why Perception Alone Is Not Enough

Domelevo acknowledges that Ghana may see an improvement in the Corruption Perception Index due to a lack of high-profile scandals in the past year. However, he warns that perception does not equate to systemic change.

“We have gone almost a year into this new administration without hearing of scandals as there were in the past,” he noted. “That may drive people’s perception, but it doesn’t mean corruption has stopped.”

He stresses that true progress requires legal accountability, not just the absence of media曝光. Without enforceable laws, corrupt actors may simply operate more discreetly rather than ceasing their activities.

The Missing Legal Framework

One of Domelevo’s primary concerns is the absence of a law targeting unexplained wealth among public officials. Such legislation would require officials to justify the source of assets that exceed their known income.

“If we had passed a law to say that once we establish beyond reasonable doubt that a public servant owns assets that do not correspond with their earnings, until they can prove otherwise, they are guilty—that would send a powerful message,” he said.

Similar laws exist in countries like Nigeria and South Africa, where unexplained wealth orders have led to asset recoveries and prosecutions.

Stalled Legislation: A Pattern of Delay

The Conduct of Public Officers Bill, designed to define ethical standards and penalties for misconduct, has been under discussion for years. Domelevo lamented its slow progress: “We have the Conduct of Public Officers Bill, which addresses a lot of corruption-related issues. It is still there—nothing has happened.”

Likewise, the asset declaration law, which would mandate public officials to disclose their wealth, remains unpassed. “Asset declaration law has been on the table since before I became Auditor-General, and it is still there,” he added.

These delays suggest a lack of political will to hold public officials accountable, especially when such laws could implicate sitting or former leaders.

Judicial Delays Undermine Enforcement

Beyond legislation, Domelevo criticized the slow pace of the justice system. He described court sessions that last minutes before being adjourned for months—a practice that benefits those accused of corruption.

“The court should not be used for three or four hours a day and then closed,” he argued. “At times you go to court for less than 10 minutes, the case is adjourned to the next month or two.”

Such delays allow cases to drag on for years, often outliving public interest and political pressure. This undermines deterrence and erodes public trust in the rule of law.

The Need for Swift and Certain Justice

Domelevo advocates for faster trials, suggesting that cases—whether related to galamsey or grand corruption—should be resolved within six months.

“If we can change all those things, and we know that within six months, you will have known your fate, then I think people will think twice,” he said.

Swift justice increases the perceived risk of corruption, making it a less attractive option for public officials. It also restores public confidence that the system works fairly and efficiently.

Practical Advice

For Policymakers

• Pass the Conduct of Public Officers Bill without further delay.
• Enact an unexplained wealth law with clear enforcement mechanisms.
• Implement mandatory asset declaration for all public officials, with public disclosure where appropriate.
• Strengthen the independence and capacity of anti-corruption agencies like the OSP and EFCC.

For the Judiciary

• Streamline court procedures to reduce adjournments and delays.
• Establish specialized anti-corruption courts with dedicated judges and timelines.
• Ensure that corruption cases are prioritized on court dockets.

For Civil Society and Media

• Continue monitoring and reporting on corruption cases and legislative progress.
• Advocate for transparency in asset declarations and procurement processes.
• Engage the public in anti-corruption campaigns to sustain pressure on decision-makers.

FAQ

Conclusion

While Ghana may be experiencing a temporary improvement in corruption perception due to fewer scandals, former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo warns that real progress requires more than silence—it demands action. The continued delay of key anti-corruption laws, including the Conduct of Public Officers Bill, asset declaration legislation, and an unexplained wealth law, represents a critical gap in governance.

Without these legal tools, anti-corruption agencies remain handicapped, and the justice system fails to deliver timely accountability. Domelevo’s call for faster trials and stronger enforcement is not just a procedural suggestion—it is a necessity for restoring public trust and deterring future misconduct.

Ghana stands at a crossroads: it can continue with symbolic gestures that improve perception temporarily, or it can enact lasting reforms that transform its anti-corruption framework. The choice will determine whether the country truly moves toward clean, accountable governance or remains trapped in a cycle of scandal and inaction.