Former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo has signaled a potential rebound for Ghana’s international reputation, noting that the absence of major corruption scandals during the first year of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration could lead to a positive shift in global rankings.
Speaking in a recent interview,, the respected anti-corruption campaigner highlighted that the current period of relative stability marks a departure from the headline-grabbing controversies of previous years. This “scandal-free” window, according to Domelevo, provides a unique opportunity for the state to repair public trust and improve its standing on the global Corruption Perception Index (CPI).
“I don’t know what results we are going to get. My hope and expectation is that it should improve, in the sense that at least we have gone a year into this new administration, not having heard of scandals as they were in the past. I’m not saying they are not happening, but I’m saying we have not heard of them.
“So that may drive people’s perception, and if that is the case, I will not be surprised that the index will show a positive result”
Daniel Domelevo, Former Auditor-General
The CPI, published annually by Transparency International, has historically seen Ghana struggle as public perception is often eroded by slow-moving prosecutions and high-profile allegations. Domelevo explained that since the index is heavily influenced by domestic sentiment and what the public hears, the lack of controversy under the current administration is a significant factor in shaping future scores.
He suggested that if the government can maintain this trajectory, the international community’s assessment of Ghana’s governance and institutional credibility will likely see a marked improvement in the 2026 cycle.
Perception versus Reality
Governance observers have interpreted Domelevo’s comments as a validation of President Mahama’s tactical approach to executive oversight. By steering clear of large-scale procurement scandals and keeping a tight rein on ministerial conduct, the administration has successfully lowered the political temperature surrounding corruption.
However, Domelevo was careful to distinguish between a lack of reported scandals and the total eradication of wrongdoing. He noted that the shift in public discourse – where corruption is no longer the daily focal point – is a critical metric for progress, even if it represents a “quick win,” rather than a final victory.
The former Auditor-General argued that the current silence regarding high-level misconduct serves as a psychological reset for the nation.
This period allows state institutions to function without the constant distraction of damage control, which typically follows public outcries over the misappropriation of funds. For the Mahama administration, this perceived integrity is “essential for attracting foreign investment and securing favorable terms in international diplomatic engagements.”
Legal Consolidation
Despite his optimism, Domelevo cautioned that a quiet year is not a substitute for deep-seated structural reform. He emphasized that the “low-hanging fruit” – immediate policy signals of intent – should be followed by aggressive legislative action.
Specifically, he called for the introduction of laws which would provide the state with a permanent mechanism to track and recover illicitly acquired assets. Without such legal frameworks, the current period of stability could be seen as a temporary lull rather than a permanent change in Ghana’s political culture.
“Silence alone is not enough to deliver lasting anti-corruption gains. We need stronger legal reforms to consolidate progress, particularly legislation targeting unexplained wealth. This is the only way to ensure that the progress we are seeing is not just a reflection of the moment but a standard for the future”
Daniel Domelevo, Former Auditor-General
As Ghana moves deeper into 2026, the challenge for the Mahama government will be to move beyond the absence of scandals and toward the active prosecution of past and present offenders as promised.
For now, the endorsement from a figure as rigorous as Daniel Domelevo provides the administration with significant political capital as it seeks to maintain its momentum in the fight against graft.
READ ALSO: Energy Economist Urges Ghana to Monitor Oil Market as Venezuela Uncertainty Grows
