The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng has expressed deep concern over Ghana’s stagnant score in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index over the past four years.
The Special Prosecutor reacting to the country’s score of 43 out of 100 during a roundtable discussion on the recently released Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International asserted that Ghana failed to make significant progress, remaining below the global average and emphasized the need for a substantial reevaluation of the current approach to combating corruption.
Mr Agyebeng acknowledged Ghana’s commendable efforts in tackling corruption, such as the set-up of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan and the creation of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, but however cautioned against complacency, asserting that these interventions have merely kept the nation afloat above the sub-Saharan Africa average of 32.
“Yet again, we have scored 43 out of a possible 100 on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The results are disappointing. Yes, we did not slip. One will muse. Fair enough. But we did not progress either. We did not cross the threshold of an average mark. That is our reality”
Kissi Agyebeng
The Special Prosecutor further emphasized that Ghana must aim for higher governance and democratic credentials and benchmark, rather than just regional standings.
Describing Ghana’s fight against corruption as an ‘unruly bride’, Mr Agyebeng lamented the lack of tangible success, attributing the nation’s struggle to a cycle of self-defeat and disappearing acts.
He expressed frustration with the nation’s ‘half-hearted’ approach, stating that while there is a recognition of the cure for corruption, there is an unwillingness to administer the necessary medication fully.
Furthermore, Mr Agyebeng highlighted the symbiotic relationship between justice and corruption, stating that a thriving society cannot flourish without a robust justice system.
He strongly posited that corruption curtails justice and that the absence of justice begets corruption, drawing a parallel between light and darkness.
“However, I am afraid I bear no good tidings on where we stand on corruption and justice – the focus of my comment. The results speak for themselves. We are standing at a single spot and spinning around slowly on one foot in a circle – much like a gyroscope. Our story is a rather curious cycle of self-defeat and disappearing acts.
“We begin by collectively acknowledging that we must fight corruption. That lights a glimmer on the horizon. Then we dim the glimmer by approaching the enterprise of the fight against corruption half-heartedly”
Kissi Agyebeng
Moreover, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng addressed citizens’ perceptions of anti-corruption law enforcement institutions and the judiciary, stating that the widespread belief that that most anti-graft institutions are equally corrupt are result of political ‘marginalization’.
According to him, most citizens view most ant-graft institutions as part of the problem rather than the solution, citing a perceived high incidence of impunity among the elite.
Kissi Agyebeng Advocates for Strengthened Anti-Corruption Measures
In a passionate plea for reforms in the country’s approach in combating corruption, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng proposed a series of measures to strengthen anti-corruption efforts.
He proposed for the inclusion of anti-corruption law enforcement institutions, especially the Office of the Special Prosecutor, in the constitution and subsequently called for an enlargement of the powers and mandate of such institutions.
Mr Agyebeng also emphasized the need to insulate anti-corruption law enforcement institutions from political interference and reprisals and further called for appropriate measures to safeguard the independence of the judiciary in practice, allowing judges to adjudicate justice without fear.
In addition, the Special Prosecutor recommended for the establishment of a specialized anti-corruption court with trained judges to expedite corruption cases and further stressed the importance of adequately remunerating judges and officers to prevent corruption.
The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng concluded his speech by expressing optimism that entrenching a culture of truth and integrity in these institutions would have positive and long lasting impact on individual officers, leading to a reduction of instances and cases of corruption in the country.
He thus urged swift action, emphasizing the importance of addressing corruption frontally and adopting the most appropriate measures and policies to mitigate the menace of corruption in the country.
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