GHANA has regained a score of 43 on the 2025 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), released by Transparency International (TI), placing the country 76th out of 182 nations.
The index rates perceived public-sector corruption on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
Although the score shows a slight increase from 42 in 2024, anti-corruption experts argue it does not indicate real progress.
“Ghana continues to struggle with persistent corruption, weak enforcement of laws, and underperforming state institutions,” TI Ghana stated.
The organisation highlighted that while there were efforts to enhance transparency in investigations and prosecutions, events such as petitions against heads of independent bodies, the dismissal of the former Chief Justice, and the discontinuation of certain corruption cases suggest political influence, undermining public confidence in anti-graft initiatives.
TI Ghana recommended reforms to strengthen the justice system’s independence and efficiency, including establishing specialised anti-corruption courts.
It urged Parliament to expedite the Community Tribunal Bill and adopt the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Plan (NEACAP).
The organisation also called for promoting ethical leadership across public institutions and enhancing transparency in key state agencies.
The CPI, TI emphasised, is a warning signal rather than a final verdict. Sustained political will, institutional independence, and consistent enforcement are essential to rebuild trust and improve Ghana’s standing. “Defensive responses will not change perceptions; consistent action will,” the statement said.
Ghana’s CPI performance has plateaued in recent years, with its highest score of 48 in 2014.
After a decline, scores slightly improved in 2018 and 2019, but have hovered around 43 since 2020.
Globally, corruption is rising, even in established democracies. The global average is 42, the lowest in over a decade, and more than two-thirds of countries score below 50, showing many nations are failing to control corruption.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
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