Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Julius Debrah, has officially inaugurated a working group tasked with developing Ghana’s next National Anti-Corrupti
Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Julius Debrah, has officially inaugurated a working group tasked with developing Ghana’s next National Anti-Corruption Strategy. This move is part of renewed efforts by the government to tackle widespread corruption across the public and private sectors.
The new strategy will succeed the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP), which was adopted by Parliament in 2014 during President John Dramani Mahama’s first term. Speaking at the inauguration held at the Presidency in Accra, Debrah said President Mahama had once again been entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the development of a comprehensive national strategy to curb corruption.
In his remarks, Debrah highlighted achievements under NACAP, which were shared by Ghana at the recent 16th Session of the Implementation Review Group (IRG) and the intergovernmental working group on corruption prevention in Vienna, Austria, held from June 16–20.
Key achievements cited included increased public awareness of corruption’s negative impacts and available reporting channels like whistleblowing mechanisms. The strategy also accelerated the digitisation of financial services, revenue systems, and operations at ports and harbours, boosting efficiency and reducing discretionary practices.
Debrah also noted enhanced financial system stability, supported by the establishment of the Financial Stability Council—making Ghana only the second country in sub-Saharan Africa, after Mauritius, to set up such a body. Other results included reduced cases of sexual harassment and sextortion in workplaces, thanks to safer reporting channels, and the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing guidelines for both banks and non-bank financial institutions.
In terms of enforcement, Ghana saw heightened activity from institutions like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), particularly in investigations, prosecutions, and asset recovery.
However, Debrah expressed concern over the decline in Ghana’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score—from a high of 48% in 2014 to a record low of 42% in 2024, the final year of NACAP’s implementation.
“We must reverse this trend. I charge this group to design a strategy that will achieve that goal. This aligns with the President’s commitment to the Ghanaian people.”
He emphasized that fighting corruption and promoting accountability are central to President Mahama’s legacy term. Given the evolving and complex nature of corruption, Debrah stressed the need for innovative, technology-driven, and results-oriented approaches—supported by independent institutions, effective legislation, and strong political will.
He called for a break from the past, urging the new strategy to rethink previous assumptions, methodologies, and implementation models to deliver quicker and more sustainable outcomes.
“Ethics must be at the heart of the new strategy. Corruption is first a moral issue before a legal one. The new plan must jolt the anti-corruption space into an impactful, urgent rhythm.” Debrah said.
The strategy will be coordinated by the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the National Anti-Corruption Programme (PANACP), in collaboration with the Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), ensuring direct oversight by the President.
Key partners in the implementation will include the Attorney General’s Office, OSP, and CHRAJ. Debrah commended CHRAJ for its leadership in implementing the first NACAP and pledged continued support from the Presidency in promoting human rights and administrative justice.
He expressed confidence in the technical team selected to draft the new strategy, urging full commitment to the task. The working group is expected to deliver the initial draft by August 31, 2025.
Also speaking at the event, Professor Francis Dodoo, Presidential Advisor for PANACP, described the initiative as a bold step by the President and government to confront corruption, strengthen national integrity, and promote ethical governance throughout Ghana’s public life.
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