Ghana Statistical Service Report 2025: Bribery Declines but Repeat Bribes Surge – Police MTTD Tops List

Discover verified data from the GSS Governance Series Wave Two on falling bribery incidences in Ghana (January-June 2025), contrasted by rising repeat informal payments, with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Police Service leading encounters. This analysis breaks down trends, civic engagement improvements, and paths to stronger institutions under SDG 16.

Introduction

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has released pivotal data through its Governance Series Wave Two report, shedding light on public interactions with officials from January to June 2025. This citizen-centered survey tracks bribery trends, informal payments, and civic inclusion in Ghana, offering evidence-based insights for anti-corruption efforts. Key finding: overall bribery reports dropped to 14.3% from 18.4% in the prior survey, signaling progress. However, among those involved, repeat bribes—defined as five or more instances—jumped sharply from 6.9% to 24%. Frontline agencies like the Police Service’s Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) continue to dominate these encounters, dropping slightly from 61% to 51.9%.

This report aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, focusing on peace, justice, and strong institutions. By examining Ghana corruption statistics 2025, it highlights both advancements and persistent challenges in reducing petty corruption Ghana. Policymakers, researchers, and citizens can access the full dataset at www.statsghana.gov.gh for regional details and methodology.

Analysis

Bribery Incidence and Forms

The GSS survey reveals a welcome decline in bribery prevalence, with only 14.3% of respondents reporting gifts or cash to public officials, compared to 18.4% previously. Cash remains the predominant form, with over half of givers noting amounts of 100 Ghana cedis (GHS) or less. This underscores petty corruption as a widespread issue in everyday public dealings.

Shift from Direct Requests to Voluntary Gifts

Direct solicitations by officials fell from 51.3% to 38.6%, a positive shift. Conversely, “voluntary” gifts—framed as appreciation tokens—nearly doubled from 17.6% to 32.9%. This evolution suggests subtler pressures in Ghana public service bribery, where citizens preemptively offer payments to expedite services.

Decline in Reporting Mechanisms

Reporting bribery to formal or informal channels has decreased during the period, limiting accountability. Frontline services, including licensing and traffic enforcement, record the highest informal payment rates, emphasizing vulnerabilities at public touchpoints.

Summary

In summary, the GSS Governance Series Wave Two paints a mixed picture of Ghana’s governance landscape in early 2025. Bribery rates have declined, fostering optimism, but the surge in repeat payments indicates entrenched habits. Police MTTD interactions top the charts at 51.9%, while civic inclusion metrics improved markedly, with 68.4% of Ghanaians now believing ordinary citizens can influence decisions (up from 54.8%). Regional gaps persist, particularly in northern areas. These Ghana Statistical Service bribery report findings equip stakeholders to target interventions effectively.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Citizens

To combat bribery decline Ghana reversals, citizens should document encounters with dates, amounts, and officials’ details. Use official channels like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) or police hotlines to report incidents promptly. Opt for digital services where available to minimize physical interactions prone to demands.

For Policymakers and Agencies

GSS Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu urges leveraging this data for reforms. Implement digital payment tracking in MTTD and other frontline units, train officers on ethics, and publicize complaint success stories to boost reporting. Strengthen oversight via independent audits to erode repeat bribe cultures.

For Researchers

Download full GSS tables for econometric analysis on repeat bribes Ghana. Cross-reference with SDG 16 indicators to model intervention impacts.

Points of Caution

While bribery incidence fell, the 24% repeat rate warns of normalization, potentially undermining trust restoration. Voluntary gifts’ rise (32.9%) may mask coercion, as citizens fear delays without them. Declining reports signal weak mechanisms—address this to prevent underreporting. Northern regions’ exclusion perceptions (highest rates) risk deepening divides, necessitating targeted civic education. Frontline persistence, especially Police MTTD at 51.9%, demands urgent action to avoid spillover to other sectors.

Comparison

Prior Survey vs. Wave Two

This table illustrates progress in overall rates and direct demands but flags deepening repeat behaviors and agency-specific issues in GSS bribery statistics.

Legal Implications

Bribery in Ghana is criminalized under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), Section 236, punishing both givers and receivers with fines or imprisonment up to 10 years. The Anti-Corruption Act (2000) and Whistleblower Act (2006) bolster protections for reporters. The GSS data, while not prosecutorial, supports enforcement by identifying hotspots like Police MTTD. Agencies must comply with the Right to Information Act (2019) for transparency. Non-reporting may expose citizens to complicity charges, emphasizing the need for robust, protected channels.

Conclusion

The GSS Governance Series Wave Two report marks tangible strides in curbing bribery in Ghana, with a 14.3% incidence rate and enhanced civic inclusion at 68.4%. Yet, the alarming 24% repeat bribe surge and Police MTTD’s 51.9% dominance underscore unfinished work. By channeling this data into reforms—bolstering oversight, digitalization, and regional equity—Ghana can advance SDG 16 goals. Coordinated efforts from government, civil society, and citizens will build lasting trust in public institutions, reducing petty corruption Ghana for good.

FAQ