Ghana’s new government under John Mahama is emphasizing its anti-corruption efforts through high-profile prosecutions, but the complexity of corruption is deeper and systemic, affecting primarily the poorer populations. Both major political parties have a history of corruption, and significant grassroots activism is required to enact real change. Historical precedents like the asafo demonstrate the crucial role of ordinary citizens in holding leaders accountable. Current frameworks exist, but effective reform hinges on both legal action and citizen engagement.
Ghana’s new government under John Mahama has swiftly attempted to underline its commitment to combatting corruption. On February 12, 2025, a special prosecutor declared the former finance minister a “wanted fugitive” for allegedly fleeing abroad to evade inquiries regarding potential financial misconduct. This action echoes previous campaigns, emphasizing that corruption largely lies with the ousted party, the New Patriotic Party, and is significantly detrimental when associated with high-ranking officials.
The intricate reality of corruption among ordinary Ghanaians extends beyond partisan blame. Over the last three decades of electoral democracy, both political parties have been implicated in various scandals. Historically, complaints regarding misconduct have arisen from individuals across different societal levels, not limited to the political sphere. Grassroots movements have long challenged corruption, dating back to before British colonial rule in the Gold Coast.
Research indicates that successful anti-corruption initiatives mandate grassroots involvement alongside governmental action. Corruption profoundly impacts poorer populations, and organized activism can hold officials accountable in eradicating fraud. During the pre-colonial era, Ghana’s Asante Empire exemplified citizen engagement in governance. For instance, the dethronement of Monarch Kofi Kakari was a reaction to his financial misconduct, signifying the people’s capability to challenge authority.
Coastal communities such as the Fante implemented institutional measures for chief accountability. The asafo, a commoner-led group, had the authority to depose unpopular leaders, maintaining community interests against abuses of power. Although colonial administrations later curtailed their influence, the asafo’s legacy inspired mobilizations against corruption and injustice throughout Ghana’s historical timeline.
The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a resurgence of protests, particularly during Jerry Rawlings’ regime. Activists recognized corruption as symptomatic of a systemic issue, promoting shared resistance across social classes. However, the subsequent Rawlings administration chose to align with Western interests, leading to the purging of pro-people organizations advocating against corruption, demonstrating a shift from grassroots activism to elite negotiations.
In the current multiparty electoral democracy, radical anti-corruption sentiments remain, though they are often overshadowed by mainstream parties. Critics assert that both primary parties cyclically exploit state resources for personal gain, neglecting genuine anti-corruption strategies. Initial assessments emphasize the need for a deeper understanding of political dynamics and socioeconomic inequalities.
Surveys conducted by Afrobarometer reveal significant disparities in perceptions of corruption between socioeconomic classes, with poorer individuals more acutely aware of public sector corruption affecting their daily lives. While some scholars advocate for high-profile prosecutions of corruption, there is skepticism about effectiveness, especially since these actions often target political opponents rather than systemic issues pertaining to governance.
Ghana’s framework for combatting corruption includes various institutions and laws designed for both exposure and prevention of graft. Authorities are required to disclose assets, enhancing transparency, as exemplified by President Mahama’s unprecedented public asset declaration. Despite these improvements, bureaucratic inertia and insufficient political commitment hinder progress, highlighting the necessity for grassroots activism alongside formal governmental efforts.
In summary, tackling corruption in Ghana requires a dual approach that integrates governmental initiatives and grassroots activism. The historical precedent of citizen engagement in governance showcases the necessity for ordinary Ghanaians to actively participate in demanding accountability. Although legislative measures have been established, they must be complemented by sustained public pressure to elicit genuine reforms against corruption.
Original Source: theconversation.com
