Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has emphasised that ethics must be a central pillar in Ghana’s new National Anti-Corruption Strategy, insisting that corruption is first and foremost a moral issue before it is legal.
Speaking at the inauguration of a working group tasked with developing the country’s next national anti-corruption strategy, Mr Debrah stated that while previous efforts, such as the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) passed in 2014, achieved notable milestones, they ultimately failed to reduce public perception of corruption in a meaningful way.
“Ethics must be a key pillar in the development of the next National Anti-Corruption Strategy because corruption is first and foremost a morale issue before legal,” the Chief of Staff stated. “The strategy ought to provide a shock therapy to the anti-corruption space to set the anti-corruption fight to a beating, impactful rhythm.”
He cited Ghana’s declining score on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI); from a high of 48% in 2014 to a historic low of 42% by the end of NACAP’s term in 2024; as evidence that, despite progress in digitisation, financial regulation, and awareness, the strategy did not go far enough.
Among the key achievements of the previous NACAP were increased public awareness of corruption and whistleblowing mechanisms, digitisation of financial systems and ports, establishment of a Financial Stability Council, and the implementation of anti-money laundering guidelines. The period also saw heightened activity from key anti-corruption bodies including CHRAJ, EOCO, and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
However, Debrah said the new strategy must break away from the assumptions and implementation patterns of the past.
“This is consistent with the promise that H.E. the President made to Ghanaians,” he said. “The complexities of corruption that confront us today require a sophisticated approach. This means technology, outside-the-box thinking, strong political will, effective legislation, and independent anti-corruption institutions.”
He announced that the new National Anti-Corruption Strategy will be coordinated from the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the National Anti-Corruption Programme (PANACP), working closely with the Office of the Chief of Staff and key partners including the Attorney General, CHRAJ, and the OSP.
“This coordination will enable the President to track implementation and ensure the strategy delivers on its mandate,” he noted.
Debrah also commended the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) for its role in coordinating NACAP over the past decade and pledged continued collaboration.
He tasked the working group to deliver an initial draft of the new strategy by 31st August 2025 and assured them of government’s support, while urging financial prudence.
“We have confidence in the technical expertise of the team assembled. We expect nothing less than your fullest commitment to the cause,” he said. “However, we also expect prudence from the team, as you are all aware of the current financial difficulty facing the country.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Risa Wyettey Cofie
