Ghanaians believe Akufo-Addo is fighting corruption – Report

An Afrobarometer survey conducted by the Centre for Democratic Deveopment (CDD) Ghana, has revealed that there is a rise in public perception that the Akufo-Addo led government is committed to the fight against corruption.

The Round 7 report presented Tuesday further revealed that 64% of Ghanaians want the government to name, shame and prosecute officials who have misappropriated state funds.

Presenting the Afro barometer Project, Manager for Anglophone Daniel Armah Attoh noted that the most respected people in society also want stiffer punishment for corrupt officials.

The report cited that successive governments had only demonstrated the willingness to punish opposition members who misappropriated state funds but ignore corrupt activities by its own members.

The report cited a number of corruption-related allegations that have come under the spotlight this year to support its claims.

“Most Ghanaians perceive some informal leaders, public and private sector officials as corrupt. The perception is worse for officials in the public sector,” the report said.

“Most Ghanaians think that governments over the years have been very swift in prosecuting and punishing corrupt officials belonging to opposition parties…nevertheless, majority believe the current government performed well in fighting corruption.”

Parliament recently passed the Special Prosecutor bill one of the key campaign promises made by President Nana Akufo-Addo ahead of his election victory in 2016 and it is aimed at tackling corruption.

When operational, the Special Prosecutor’s office will be independent of the Executive, which observers believe will allow it to adequately deal with corruption-related issues which have plagued past governments.

This Bill is expected to, among other things, define the modalities for the appointment and operations of the Special Prosecutor.