Vice President Opoku-Agyemang pushes for anti-corruption law to bind future governments

The Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang urges the implementation of a legally binding national anti-corruption policy to provide ongoing reform initiatives across different political administrations and to prevent the abolition of regulations introduced by previous governments. She made the call in the course of the High-Level Conference on Revitalising the Anti-Corruption Architecture in Africa.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang claimed that a permanent policy supported by legislation would institutionalise anti-corruption efforts and minimize the chance of reversals that mostly takes place when new governments take office.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang stated that “Ghana needs a national anti-corruption policy that binds all governments, regardless of party. This will ensure legislative and institutional reforms continue uninterrupted, delivering measurable results. Corruption thrives when policies are abandoned for political expediency.”

The Vice President pointed to the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP), which expired in 2024, as an example of a plan undermined by changes in political leadership.

She said the current administration, under President John Mahama, is dedicated to implementing a second NACAP, but also drew to attention that a more permanent and legally effective policy enforcement was crucial.

She added that “Operation Recover All Loot and the appointment of a Presidential Adviser on the National Anti-Corruption Programme show our resolve, but we must go further with a policy that outlives us,” referring to latest initiatives implemented by the government. The proposal appears to reply to the increasing public discontent of what is seen as Ghana’s minimal advancements in fighting corruption.

The 2024 Corruption Perception Index and the Ibrahim Index of African Governance both indicated a decline in the country’s anti-corruption performance despite an existing legal structure. “Every election cycle, we lose momentum. A binding policy would change that,” said Ms Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education, in a contribution from the audience.

Mr Oliver Barker-Vormawor, anti-corruption expert welcomed the Vice President’s call but cautioned that enforcement calls for broad political agreement. Mr Oliver Barker-Vormawor told reporters that “Without agreement from the NPP and NDC, it risks becoming another paper plan.”

Professor Opoku-Agyemang recognized the challenges of building political consensus but highlighted the significance of citizen participation. She said citizens, community groups and the media must take an active part in holding leaders responsible and shaping the direction of good governance initiatives. “This policy must be co-created with citizens to ensure it reflects their demands,” she said.

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