The Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Mrs. Mary Addah, has sounded the alarm over widespread irregularities in Ghana’s procurement processes, revealing that nearly 85% fail to meet standard guidelines. Speaking at the Anti-Corruption Forum in Accra, themed “Elections and Anti-Corruption: What is the Next Government’s Agenda?” she described the procurement lapses as a breeding ground for corruption, calling for strict adherence to guidelines and enhanced oversight.
“Procurement irregularities remain a significant driver of corruption in Ghana. Without greater accountability and transparency, we will continue to see resources diverted away from national development,” Mrs. Addah remarked.
She emphasized the importance of collective action ahead of the 2024 elections, urging Ghanaians and political leaders to adopt a firm stance against corruption. Highlighting the limitations of past efforts, she stated, “We’ve fought this fight individually for years, but the dividends have been disappointing. Our goal now is to come together as citizens committed to the nation’s progress and demand robust anti-corruption commitments from our leaders.”
The forum also spotlighted the “Pledge Against Corruption” campaign, a collaborative initiative led by civil society organizations, academics, private sector leaders, and concerned citizens. The campaign urges political candidates to commit to actionable reforms, including passing the long-delayed Conduct of Public Officers Bill, which addresses asset declaration, conflict of interest, and gift policies.
Mrs. Addah stressed that such reforms are essential for fostering ethical governance and safeguarding public resources. She also called for greater transparency in public procurement processes, which have been a recurring source of corruption.
As Ghana approaches a critical election, the forum served as a rallying point for citizens and stakeholders to demand tangible solutions to the country’s corruption challenges and push for a governance agenda rooted in accountability and transparency.
