What Can Be Done to Address Corruption in Ghana? Understanding Citizens’ Perspectives

Abstract

Corruption poses a substantial danger to human rights, political stability, and development, particularly in developing countries like Ghana. Despite the supposed fight against corruption in most developing countries, including Ghana, little success has been achieved in arresting the problem. This article's objective is to examine what can be done to address Ghana's corruption. Based on primary data from in-depth interviews with Ghanaians, the article focuses on a key question: What can be done to address corruption in Ghana? The findings indicate that unless corruption offences become high-risk crimes through strict implementation of laws to punish offenders regardless of their identities, power, or wealth, the Ghanaian anti-corruption work will likely be a lost battle. The study also shows the need for state anti-corruption agencies to be well-resourced and de-politicized to function independently. This article makes useful contributions to the literature on corruption by investigating and documenting citizens’ perspectives, which can inform anti-corruption policies and practices.