By LEO NELSON
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has declared a sweeping overhaul of Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts, conceding past struggles but vowing a renewed, aggressive campaign against graft.
Speaking at the National Anti-Corruption Conference in Accra, the Veep minced no words, stating Ghana “cannot afford complacency” in this critical fight.
She painted a stark picture of declining public trust and stagnating performance on key corruption indicators, citing a staggering GH¢5 billion lost to bribery in just one year.
The Mahama-led administration is rolling out a heavy-hitting arsenal of policy initiatives:
Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL): A presidential directive to claw back stolen public funds.
Code of Conduct: All presidential appointees will now be bound by a strict code of conduct.
Strengthening Laws: A forceful push to fortify existing laws and institutions.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also revealed a revised Conduct of Public Officers Bill is headed to Parliament. This revamped legislation will include:
Unexplained Wealth Orders: Giving authorities the power to demand explanations for suspicious riches.
Reverse Burden of Proof: A game-changing measure that will force individuals to prove the legitimacy of their assets.
Asset Declaration Overhaul: Moving beyond mere “formality” to a truly effective system.
The government is pledging sustainable financing for anti-corruption bodies and will introduce laws to regulate political party and campaign financing, shining a light on where the money comes from.
Praising the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC) for its collaborative approach, the Vice President reaffirmed Ghana’s leadership in continental efforts to combat corruption.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang stressed that no anti-corruption system can thrive without the people. She called for robust citizen engagement, especially youth involvement, empowering the public not just to demand but to participate in accountability.
Despite acknowledging the twin evils of weak enforcement and political meddling, the Veep remained defiant: “Corruption is a choice. So is integrity.”
Her message was clear: renewed political will and civic responsibility can turn the tide, building a Ghana — and an Africa — anchored in transparency, justice, and shared prosperity.
The conference convened top policymakers, civil society, media, academics, and development partners, all united under the theme: “Revitalizing Africa’s Anti-Corruption Architecture.”