64% of Ghanaians want Gov’t to prosecute corrupt officials – Afrobarometer

A report by research network, Afrobarometer, has disclosed that 64% of Ghanaians want the government to name, shame and prosecute officials who have embezzled state funds.

According to the report, successive governments had only demonstrated the eagerness to prosecute members of opposition parties who had served in past administrations, while ignoring corrupt practices perpetrated by its own members.

The report cited a number of corruption-related allegations that have come under the spotlight this year, including claims made by the musician, A-Plus accusing President Akufo-Addo’s two Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Francis Asenso-Boakye, and Abu Jinapor of corruption.

“Most Ghanaians perceive some informal leaders, public and private sector officials as corrupt. The perception is worse for officials in the public sector,” the report said.

“Most Ghanaians think that governments over the years have been very swift in prosecuting and punishing corrupt officials belonging to opposition parties. Nevertheless, the majority believe the current government performed well in fighting corruption.”

This report is a big difference from the 2016 report.

In the 2016 Afrobarometer report, 64 percent of Ghanaians thought that corruption had increased.

20 percent of Ghanaians did not believe in the capability of the political system to fight corruption.

But, in the new report, most Ghanaians are confident the current government will fight corruption.

“There is a rise in public confidence in government’s efforts to combat corruption in 2017, compared to 2014. This is after over a decade of decline,” the report added.