Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh critiques Ghana’s outdated legal system as ineffective against modern corruption. At a recent lecture, he advocated for necessary reforms to bolster anti-corruption efforts, noting the insufficiencies of relying on antiquated laws. He emphasized the need for innovation in legal institutions to adapt to the ever-evolving nature of corruption.
Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, has criticized Ghana’s outdated legal framework, asserting that it is inadequate for effectively combating contemporary corruption. Speaking at the 5th Constitution Day Public Lecture, which featured Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, Professor Prempeh highlighted the urgent need for legal reforms aimed at strengthening anti-corruption efforts.
He observed that Ghana’s legal institutions and principles are antiquated, posing challenges in addressing the evolving nature of corruption. Although he acknowledged that the current constitution contains some tools for fighting corruption, he emphasized the importance of legal innovation to enhance these efforts.
Professor Prempeh stated, “There are some tools in the constitution even as we find it today. The constitution is not perfect, but it does have something in there that can be the basis of a credible fight against corruption.” He further insisted that reliance on outdated laws undermines the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in a modern context.
He remarked, “I think our legal institutions, including our legal doctrines, are way too archaic for the time. We must embrace a lot of legal innovation because corruption mutates day by day.” He concluded by explaining that while developed nations continuously adapt their legal frameworks to address corruption, Ghana continues to depend on laws from 1962, which are no longer fit for purpose.
In summary, Professor Prempeh’s remarks underscore the urgent need for Ghana to modernize its legal system to effectively combat corruption. The existing framework, rooted in outdated laws, is inadequate to address the evolving challenges posed by corruption today. Legal innovation is crucial for creating a robust anti-corruption strategy that aligns with current global practices.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
