A new report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed that 18.4% of Ghanaians who interacted with public officials in 2024 paid bribes—mostly in cash—to access essential government services.
The data, published in the “Governance Series Wave 1 Report,” underscores persistent corruption in public institutions and rising public dissatisfaction. Notably, 70% of respondents felt they had little to no influence over government decision-making.
Key Findings:
- Men were significantly more likely to pay bribes, accounting for 68.3% of reported cases, compared to 31.7% among women.
- Urban dwellers made up 64.3% of those who paid bribes, while rural residents accounted for 35.7%.
- People with disabilities were not exempt, with 21.1% reporting bribery. The rate was highest among those with physical disabilities (40.1%) and visual impairments (32.5%).
- Greater Accra had the highest regional bribery rate at 22.0%, followed by Ashanti at 18.1%. The Savannah (1.0%) and North East (1.1%) regions recorded the lowest levels.
Omar Seidu, Head of Social Statistics at GSS, emphasized the urgency of reforms, warning that the data points to a growing disconnect between citizens and public institutions.
“Tackling corruption isn’t just a legal imperative—it’s a societal necessity,” he said. “We need systemic reforms to restore public trust and strengthen accountability.”
The report serves as a critical resource for policymakers, civil society, and governance advocates seeking to curb corruption and build a more transparent public sector.
