Ghana’s Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for bold action to revitalize the country’s anti-corruption architecture.
Speaking at the High-Level National Anti-Corruption Conference in Accra, she emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackling corruption.
“Revitalizing Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture requires bold action across multiple fronts,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said. “We must legislate and universalize unexplained wealth orders, extending their application to both public officials and private citizens.”
The Vice President highlighted the importance of strengthening institutions and laws to prevent corruption. “Our asset declaration regime requires immediate strengthening, moving beyond mere submission,” she said. “We must ensure sustainable financing for anti-corruption institutions to reduce political influence and enhance their independence.”
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also emphasized the crucial role of citizen engagement in the fight against corruption. “No anti-corruption architecture can succeed without active citizen engagement,” she said. “Civil society organizations, investigative journalists, and ordinary citizens are our partners in this fight.”
The Vice President underscored the economic benefits of fighting corruption, citing the African Development Bank’s estimate that eradicating corruption could maximize Africa’s capital potential.
“Ghana’s economic recovery and long-term prosperity depend on our ability to demonstrate that we are reliable stewards of public resources,” she said.
In her call to action, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged participants to recommit themselves to the fight against corruption.
“Let us recommit ourselves to this fight; to revitalize our institutions, strengthen our laws, empower our citizens, and work together across borders to build an Africa that is truly prosperous and peaceful,” she said.
The conference, which brought together stakeholders including the Special Prosecutor, AU representatives, and civil society leaders, focused on reforms, digital tools, and cross-border collaboration in the fight against corruption.