Passing the Conduct of Public Officers’ Bill will be another white elephant, Ghana lacks efficient anti-corruption laws - OSP

Accra, Ghana - Nov 15, 2024 - Ghana's current legal framework is insufficient to effectively combat corruption, according to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The country's laws are deemed inefficient, and Director Samuel Appiah Darko emphasizes the need for stronger, more effective anti-corruption laws.

Speaking at a forum in Accra on Friday, Nov 15, Appiah Darko pointed out that Ghana has many laws but lacks efficient ones, citing the Conduct of Public Officers' Bill as an example.

“Ghana is a country that we have so many laws, but we don’t have efficient laws. For me, from the Office of the Special Prosecutor and as a lawyer, I am happy we have not passed the Conduct of Public Officers’ Bill, although I am in the anti-corruption business, because as it stands now, if we pass it, it will become another white elephant.'' he stated.

“So the law as it stands now is piecemeal. Even when we talk about gifts, there is no ceiling, but we know in the UK and other places, an MP cannot take, say, a gift beyond £300. In Ghana’s Conduct of Public Officers’ Bill, there is no ceiling,'' he added.

Ghana has taken steps to address corruption, being a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (2003) and having institutions like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).

However, Appiah Darko's statement highlights the need for more comprehensive and effective legislation.

Source: Florence Kyei / Lead News Online