A recent United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report has brought to the forefront the pervasive issue of bribery in Ghana.
The report delves into the extent of corruption within the country's public institutions and exposes the individuals who are the primary beneficiaries of this illicit practice.
The UNODC's 2021 survey on People's Experience in Paying Bribes in Ghana has shed light on the disheartening reality of corruption that continues to plague the nation.
Among the various public institutions scrutinized, the Lands Commission emerges as a hotspot for bribery, with its workers receiving the highest average amount of bribes.
The staggering figure, amounting to GHC 1,669, reflects the grim situation surrounding this vital governmental body responsible for land matters.
Following closely behind are prosecutors, judges, and magistrates, who collectively receive an average of GHC 1,208 in bribes.
This revelation points to a deeply rooted issue within the judicial system, raising concerns about the integrity of the legal process.
The report highlights the alarming discrepancies in bribe amounts, indicating that factors such as the economic motives behind the bribes, the nature of services sought, and the geographical location play significant roles in determining the size of bribes.
Notably, the analysis underscores the substantial variations in bribe sizes across different categories of public officials.
While the Lands Commission Officers and prosecutors, judges, or magistrates lead with the highest average bribes, health workers, excluding doctors, nurses, and midwives, receive a much smaller average of GHC 91.
Similarly, police officers are reported to receive an average of GHC 220.
Ghana's battle against corruption remains a persistent struggle, drawing the attention of both politicians and ordinary citizens.
Despite efforts to combat this entrenched problem, tangible progress has been limited.
The UNODC report serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead and sheds light on the specific areas within public institutions where corruption appears to be most rampant.
The report's findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address corruption and enhance transparency within Ghana's public sector.
Below is a breakdown of public institutions and the average bribe amounts workers are reported to take:
- Lands Commission: GHC 1,669
- Prosecutors, Judges, Magistrates: GHC 1,208
- Ghana Immigration Service: GHC 950
- Health Workers (excluding doctors, nurses, and midwives): GHC 91-253
- Police Officers: GHC 220
