By Leo Nelson
President John Dramani Mahama, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s anti-corruption framework through legal and institutional reforms.
Addressing workers and stakeholders at the 2026 May Day celebration held in Koforidua in the Eastern Region, the President spoke on the need for a more effective Office of the Special Prosecutor, emphasising the importance of accountability in public service.
He acknowledged ongoing legal disputes regarding the constitutionality of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, noting that some of these matters remain before the courts for interpretation.
“While some of the issues are pending appeal and Supreme Court interpretation, the Government believes that there is space for an effective Office of the Special Prosecutor with special powers of prosecution.”
Strengthening the Office of the Special Prosecutor
He indicated that granting the office special prosecutorial powers would strengthen its ability to address corruption cases and deliver outcomes that reinforce public confidence.
According to the President, the existence of legal debates should not hinder efforts to improve the institution. Rather, he suggested that reforms should focus on clarifying its mandate and ensuring it operates within a strong and transparent legal structure.
He stressed that the fight against corruption requires institutions that are both independent and capable of enforcing the law without undue interference.
Renewed Commitment to Accountability
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling corruption across all levels of government. He emphasised that individuals who hold public office must be prepared to account for their actions to the citizens they serve. This, he noted, is essential for building trust and ensuring good governance.
As part of this effort, he announced that the Public Officers Code of Conduct Bill is expected to be presented and passed during the next session of Parliament. The bill aims to establish clear standards for the conduct of public officials, including guidelines on conflict of interest and ethical behaviour.
He explained that codifying these standards will help create a consistent framework for evaluating the actions of public servants. This is expected to reduce ambiguity and provide a basis for enforcing discipline within the public sector.
Reforming Asset Declaration Systems
In addition to the code of conduct, President Mahama revealed plans to introduce a new asset declaration regime. He noted that the current system requires improvements to ensure it serves its intended purpose of promoting transparency and accountability.
The proposed reforms, he said, will make asset declarations more meaningful by strengthening compliance and monitoring mechanisms. By doing so, the government aims to ensure that public officials accurately disclose their financial interests and avoid conflicts that could compromise their duties.
He indicated that Parliament will play a key role in approving the new regime, which is expected to enhance oversight and reduce opportunities for misconduct.
Expanding Judicial Capacity
The President also acknowledged the role of the judiciary in supporting the fight against corruption. He expressed appreciation to the Chief Justice and the judicial system for establishing additional High Courts to handle cases more efficiently.
Per the President’s words, these courts will play a critical role in prosecuting individuals identified in reports by the Auditor General. He explained that cases arising from such reports will now be handled more swiftly, alongside existing measures such as disallowance and surcharge powers.
This development, he said, represents an important step toward ensuring that findings from public audits lead to concrete legal action. By strengthening the link between oversight and enforcement, the government hopes to improve accountability within public institutions.
Introduction of Regional Tribunals
President Mahama further announced that the government, through the Attorney General, has introduced legislation to establish regional tribunals. These tribunals are expected to decentralise the judicial process and improve access to justice across the country.
He explained that the creation of regional tribunals will help reduce delays in the legal system by allowing cases to be heard closer to where they arise. This is expected to enhance efficiency and ensure that justice is delivered in a timely manner.
The President noted that a faster and more responsive judicial system is essential for sustaining the fight against corruption. By reducing bottlenecks, the government aims to ensure that cases are resolved promptly and that accountability measures are effectively enforced.
Advancing Institutional Reforms
President Mahama’s remarks highlight a broader strategy aimed at strengthening institutions and reinforcing the rule of law. By focusing on legal reforms, judicial capacity, and enforcement mechanisms, the administration seeks to create a system that supports transparency and accountability.
He emphasised that these efforts are part of a long term commitment to improving governance and restoring public confidence in state institutions. The proposed measures are expected to work together to create a more robust framework for addressing corruption and promoting ethical leadership.
The May Day address provided a platform for President Mahama to outline key reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s anti corruption framework.
From enhancing the Office of the Special Prosecutor to introducing new legal measures and expanding judicial capacity, the government is positioning itself to address longstanding challenges in governance.
These initiatives reflect a continued effort to promote accountability and ensure that public institutions operate in the interest of the people.