Government Inaugurates National Anti-Corruption Strategy Working Group

Accra: Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff at the Presidency, has inaugurated a working group to develop a new National Anti-Corruption Strategy, as part of concerted efforts to check widespread corruption in both public and private sectors. The previous National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) was passed by Parliament in 2014, during the first term of President John Dramani Mahama.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Debrah noted that destiny had, once again, bestowed on President Mahama the responsibility of shepherding the development of the second national anti-corruption strategy. In a statement delivered by Ghana at a recent international conference in Vienna, some achievements of NACAP were highlighted, including increased awareness of the impact of corruption and accelerated digitization of financial services and revenue authorities.The implementation of NACAP also led to the establishment of the Financial Stability Council, making Ghana the second country after Mauritius to do so in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, mechanisms were put in place to reduce sexual harassment and sextortion in workplaces. The report also mentioned the implementation of guidelines for combating money laundering and terrorism financing.Mr. Debrah acknowledged the increased operational activity from key anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). However, he noted a decline in Ghana's Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score, from a peak of 48% in 2014 to a low of 42% recently.Emphasizing the need for a reversal in this trend, Mr. Debrah charged the working group to ensure that the new strategy addresses this issue. He highlighted the importance of accountability and fighting corruption as a key pillar in President Mahama's legacy.The Chief of Staff stressed that the new strategy should incorporate technology, effective legislation, and independent anti-corruption institutions, supported by strong p olitical will and focused leadership. He reiterated that ethics must be a key pillar in the new strategy, as corruption is primarily a moral issue.The National Anti-Corruption Strategy will be coordinated by the Office of the Presidential Advisor, National Anti-Corruption Programme (PANACP), working closely with the Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration). This coordination aims to ensure effective implementation and tracking by the President.Mr. Debrah expressed gratitude to CHRAJ for their previous efforts and assured continued collaboration with the Office of the President in promoting human rights and administrative justice. He expressed confidence in the technical expertise of the assembled team and called for their full commitment to deliver a draft of the new strategy by August 31, 2025.Professor Francis Dodoo, Presidential Advisor for National Anti-Corruption Programme, noted that the initiative marks a decisive step by the government to eliminate corruption and promote ethical governance across all levels of national life.