The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has criticized Ghana’s current legal framework, deeming it insufficient for effectively addressing corruption.
Samuel Appiah Darko, the OSP’s Director of Strategy, Evaluation, and Communication, stressed the urgent need for stronger and more effective anti-corruption laws.
Speaking at a forum in Accra on November 14, he underscored the importance of enhancing existing legislation to better combat corruption.
“Ghana has numerous laws, but they are not efficient,” he stated. Mr. Appiah Darko voiced concerns about the Conduct of Public Officers’ Bill, expressing relief that it has not yet been passed. He warned that if enacted in its current form, the bill could become a “white elephant” that fails to tackle key corruption issues.
He highlighted specific weaknesses in the legislation, particularly regarding the acceptance of gifts. Unlike the UK, where MPs cannot accept gifts exceeding £300, Ghana’s proposed bill lacks clear limits on this matter.
Mr. Appiah Darko argued that this ambiguity results in fragmented and ineffective laws that do not adequately address corruption in the country.
