Anti-corruption forum held in Tamale to support economic resilience

By Samuel SAM

A regional stakeholder forum on anti-corruption has been held in Tamale to gather input for a new National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NEACAP), set to run from 2026 to 2030.

The forum forms part of government’s efforts to strengthen accountability, promote ethical culture, and curb corruption – estimated to cost the country about US$3 billion annually. It also seeks to build on lessons from the first NEACAP (2015–2024), which faced challenges including weak political commitment and underfunding.

The five-year framework, under the Office of the President, will focus on prevention, education, enforcement, and institutional strengthening to tackle corruption and restore public trust. A working group comprising government institutions, civil society, the judiciary, and experts has been established to refine and oversee the action plan.

Northern Regional Minister, Adolf Ali John, described corruption as a major threat to democracy, public trust and sustainable development. He said the new plan represents government’s pledge to promote transparency, accountability and integrity across the public service. “The time has come for a deliberate policy initiative that not only ensures retribution but also fosters higher moral standards,” he said.

Policy Analyst at the Office of the President, Dr De-Graft Johnson, stressed that corruption erodes investor confidence and weakens institutions. He said the plan will be implemented through inclusive strategies designed to restore public trust and drive equitable development.

Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Beauty Emefa Narteh, explained that although Ghana implemented a 10-year NACAP, corruption persisted, making the new framework necessary.

She added that NEACAP aligns with international standards, including the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which calls for both preventive and enforcement measures.

The forum emphasised the need for collective action, involving government, civil society, the private sector and the public, to build a corruption-free Ghana by 2030.

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