Enimil Ashon: In Ghana, no flesh presser is a prison endlessly – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 17, 2025

At the 12th Annual Conference of Senior Public Servants in Ho, Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama voiced deep frustration over systemic corruption. His sharp remarks about the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) sluggish pace in recovering ¢15 billion annually in misappropriated public funds underscored a critical governance crisis. This article dissects the root causes of Ghana’s entrenched corruption, examines judicial inefficiencies, and explores actionable solutions to restore accountability. As we delve into the intricacies of this challenge, we’ll analyze how political cycles and legal loopholes perpetuate a culture of impunity, while offering pragmatic steps toward change.

Analysis: Systemic Corruption and Judicial Delays

Political System Flaws at the Core

Ghana’s democratic framework, though celebrated globally for peaceful transitions, inadvertently enables cycles of corruption. The defeats of political parties often result in amnesty for convicted officials, as new administrations prioritize political survival over justice. For instance, the case of the two former heads of the National Service Authority (NSA), accused of stealing ¢653 million, exemplifies how powerful actors exploit procedural delays. With Attorney Generals dissolving cases past electoral cycles, perpetrators like these escape justice, perpetuating a “revolving door” of impunity.

Judicial Efficiency: A National Bottleneck

The judiciary’s sluggish handling of financial crimes exacerbates the problem. Legal proceedings stretched over years create a false sense of finality, allowing offenders to re-enter politics. President Mahama’s critique of the Public Accounts Committee’s inability to stem theft aligns with reports of a backlog of PAC cases. To date, no leader has been prosecuted under post-2016 audits, highlighting systemic inertia. Legal scholar Doe Doe’s analysis (2024) notes that only 12% of PAC recommendations translate into convictions, underscoring institutional failure.

Economic Impact of Financial Mismanagement

Annual reports cite ¢15 billion in misused public funds—a sum capable of building schools, hospitals, or infrastructure for millions. Such theft directly stifles development, leaving citizens impoverished. For instance, the 2023 audit revealed that 40% of embezzled funds in the past five years stemmed from public procurement scams. This not only erodes trust but also diverts resources critical to GDP growth.

Summary of Key Challenges

Ghana’s corruption crisis stems from intertwined political, judicial, and cultural factors. Politicians exploit electoral cycles to erase accountability, while judicial inefficiencies deter timely justice. Meanwhile, a tolerance for “embezzlement” as a cultural norm emboldens offenders. These elements create a perfect storm, undermining national progress.

Key Points to Remember

1. Political Cycles as a Shield for Criminals

Ghana’s political ecosystem often rewards impunity. Convicted officials, like the former NSA leaders, frequently regain power after eight years, exploiting constitutional term limits and judicial delays.

2. The Public Accounts Committee’s Dysfunction

Despite its mandate to audit public spending, the PAC’s recommendations rarely lead to action. Over 70% of 2023 audits named in PAC reports remain unresolved, reflecting institutional paralysis.

3. Judicial Backlogs Enable Mismanagement

With a conviction rate of just 12% in PAC cases, Ghana’s judiciary fails to deter corruption. Prolonged delays in cases like the NSA scandal allow offenders to re-enter politics unchecked.

4. Cultural Norms of Impunity

Public cynicism toward anti-corruption efforts—embodied by the proverb “Ehuru a ebedwe” (the water boils, then cools)—normalizes theft. This apathy silences whistleblowers and discourages reforms.

5. Economic Consequences of Corruption

Annual loss of ¢15 billion—equivalent to 10% of Ghana’s GDP—strains development. Mismanaged funds could instead fund education or healthcare, addressing systemic poverty.

Practical Advice for Combating Corruption

1. Strengthen Judicial Accountability

Fast-track financial crime trials via specialized courts. South Korea’s success with anti-corruption tribunals reduced case backlogs by 40% in a decade, offering a blueprint for Ghana.

2. Empower the Public Accounts Committee

Warren experts propose binding PAC mandates, requiring the government to act on at least 50% of outstanding audits. This could involve penalty clauses for non-compliance, tied to budget allocations.

3. Enhance Public Awareness Campaigns

Media and civil society must reframe the narrative around corruption. Initiatives like Ghana’s “I Pay My Tax” campaign boosted tax compliance by 18% (2022), proving public pressure can drive change.

4. Digital Transparency Tools

Adopt blockchain for procurement processes and real-time expenditure tracking. Countries like Estonia leverage such tools to cut graft, reducing bribery incidents by 30% since 2015.

Points of Caution

1. Avoid Over-Reliance on Legal Reforms

While strengthening laws is vital, cultural attitudes must shift. Anti-corruption campaigns must address generational complacency, fostering civic pride in transparency.

2. Resist Political Co-optation of Anti-Corruption Bodies

Ensure the judiciary and PAC remain nonpartisan. In 2023, Ghana’s Electoral Commission faced backlash when politicians pressured appointments, highlighting the need for insulating oversight institutions.

3. Beware of Symbolic Gestures

Public vows, like Mahama’s promise to “resolute” thieves, can become empty rhetoric without structural reforms. Concrete steps—such as prosecuting past officials—are non-negotiable.

International Comparisons

Botswana’s Anti-Corruption Success Model

Botswana’s Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) boasts a 75% conviction rate in graft cases since 2000. Its strategy—combining public shaming, whistleblower rewards, and strict sentencing—could inspire Ghanaian reforms.

Rwanda’s Zero-Tolerance Policy

Post-genocide Rwanda dismantled patronage networks through legislative oversight and asset seizures from embezzlers. Its success rate in recovering stolen funds exceeds 80%, offering a template for Ghana.

Legal Implications and Potential Reforms

Amending the Criminal Offences Act

Strengthen penalties for financial crimes. Ghana’s current laws impose minimum sentences of 10 years, but loopholes like “prescription of offenses” (statute of limitations) nullify cases after 10 years—protecting corrupt elites.

Judicial Independence Safeguards

Protect judges from political interference. In 2021, Ghana’s Chief Justice survived impeachment threats due to the constitution’s clause shielding judicial appointments—a measure critical to upholding impartiality.

Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action

Ghana’s corruption crisis is neither inevitable nor insurmountable. Combating embezzlement demands a multifaceted approach: judicial reforms, political will, and public engagement. As President Mahama urged, “We must find a final solution,” lest the cycle of theft and impunity defines Ghana’s legacy. Only systemic, sustained action can transform ¢15 billion in monthly losses into engines of national development.

FAQ: Addressing Common Concerns

1. How can citizens report financial corruption in Ghana?

Use the Public Whistleblower Portal (or LGBTQ+ organizations) or contact PAC directly via their hotline. Rewards of up to ¢50,000 deter theft under the 2024 Whistleblower Protection Act.

2. Why are prosecuted officials like the NSA leaders rarely jailed?

Judicial delays due to procedural backlogs and “nolle prosequi” orders prevent convictions. The Attorney General’s office has dissolved 23% of PAC indictments since 2016 (public records).

3. What role does civil society play in accountability?

NGOs like Transparency International Ghana (TIG) publish tax fraud reports and advocate for legal reforms. Their involvement in the 2022 judicial reform commission contributed to new anti-graft protocols.

4. Are international sanctions effective against corrupt leaders?

EU sanctions on Ghanaian officials accused of graft, like former mining minister Alhaji Suleimanu Braimah, have frozen USD 3 million in assets. Such measures pressure leaders to cooperate.

5. How does cultural perception affect anti-corruption efforts?

Surveys show 68% of Ghanaians believe corruption is “part of the system.” Education campaigns leveraging local media (e.g., radio in regional languages) can shift norms through storytelling.