Bribery in Ghana: Insights from the Governance Series Wave 1 Report
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In a sobering revelation from Ghana’s recently released Governance Series Wave 1 Report, nearly one in five individuals, specifically 18.4%, who interacted with public officials over the past year admitted to offering bribes, predominantly in cash. This statistic not only sheds light on a pervasive issue but also challenges us to consider the broader implications of such behavior on society.
This report is part of Ghana’s ambitious effort to assess its progress regarding Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Indicator 16.5.1. This specific indicator focuses on measuring the proportion of the population that either paid or was solicited to pay a bribe to a public official. In essence, it acts as a barometer for transparency and accountability in governance.
What makes these findings particularly striking is the methodology. The nationwide survey, which employed Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI), engaged 7,248 individuals across all 16 regions. Over half of the participants (55.7%) reported interacting with at least one public official throughout 2024. This data set is crucial for framing the discussion surrounding corruption and governance in Ghana.
Exploring Bribery Patterns: Gender, Age, and Location
What’s fascinating—and perhaps alarming—are the disparities identified in bribery trends. A staggering 77.4% of those who admitted to paying bribes were men, while women accounted for just 22.6%. This overwhelming gender imbalance raises questions about societal norms and the roles men and women play in public interactions with authority figures. What societal constructs contribute to this divide?
Additionally, the report highlights that urban areas are significant hotspots for bribery. A striking 61.9% of reported bribes occurred in cities, in stark contrast to 38.1% in rural settings. When examined by age, individuals aged 35 to 49 represented approximately 43% of all bribe payments made. This demographic insight invites us to consider why specific age groups are more susceptible to engaging in corrupt practices.
Interestingly, individuals with higher levels of education—specifically those with tertiary and junior high school degrees—reported the highest rates of bribe payments. Employed individuals accounted for a substantial 75.6% of those who engaged in bribery. In a disheartening twist, even 22.4% of unemployed respondents indicated they had paid bribes exceeding GH¢1,000. This underscores the harsh economic realities and pressures that corrupt systems place on job seekers and vulnerable populations.
Moreover, individuals living with disabilities reported engaging in bribery at rates of approximately 21%, with particularly high incidences among those with physical (40.1%) and visual (32.5%) impairments. These figures reveal another layer of complexity in understanding how corruption intersects with various social identities.
The Institutions Under Scrutiny: Corruption in the Police Force
When it comes to corrupt institutions, the Ghana Police Service’s Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) took the lead as the most corrupt. A striking six out of ten individuals who interacted with the MTTD acknowledged paying bribes. This disturbing trend begs us to ask: How can public trust in law enforcement be restored?
Among other institutions identified in the report, general police officers ranked next (46.7%), followed by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at 37.9% and city guards at 34.4%. On the flip side, the Minerals Commission remarkably recorded zero bribe incidents, and only 2.6% of respondents mentioned bribery encounters with foreign embassies or consulates. This disparity compels us to reflect on how different sectors manage—or mismanage—public trust.
Rethinking Regional Disparities: Accra and Ashanti Lead in Bribery Rates
Regionally, the findings present an uneven landscape. Greater Accra (22%) and Ashanti (18.1%) reported the highest bribery rates, while regions like Savannah (1%) and North East (1.1%) displayed far lower incidences. What factors contribute to such geographical disparities, and how can policy address these complex dynamics?
The Shape of Bribery: Cash Remains King
Perhaps even more telling is the issue of how bribes are offered. Cash remains the predominant form of bribery, making up 85.2% of all reported gifts. Other methods included food, drinks, or animals (9%) and exchanges of services (4.4%). The amounts involved varied widely, with one-third paying between GH¢101 and GH¢500, while 14% reported paying over GH¢1,000. The greater frequency and size of bribes in urban areas compared to rural settings offer insight into how economic pressures shape these transactions.
The Dynamics of Bribery: Who Initiates, and Why Are Incidents Unreported?
It’s noteworthy that public officials initiated 74.9% of bribery encounters, either directly or indirectly. Meanwhile, only 14.5% of incidents were reported to the authorities, with urban residents more likely to voice their grievances than their rural counterparts. This demographic difference suggests varying levels of access and confidence in anti-corruption channels. Why might this be the case, and how can it be changed?
A Call for Urgent Reforms
Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Ghana’s Government Statistician, has aptly described the findings as a “call to action.” He urged policymakers to prioritize data-driven approaches for effective reforms. “This evidence must be used to drive reforms, empower citizens, and ultimately reduce corruption in public service delivery,” he articulated. Such a clarion call prompts us to consider our roles as citizens. How can we contribute to reducing these discrepancies?
The Governance Series, which will be conducted bi-annually, aims to track changes in governance experiences over time. Findings from this report will significantly inform Ghana’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR) of the SDGs planned for July 2025.
As we digest this information, let us engage in meaningful conversations about how we can collectively work toward creating a corruption-free Ghana because the answers to these pressing questions lie within each of us.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
