The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has urged the establishment of a dedicated anti-corruption court as a strategic measure to bolster the nation's fight against corruption. This proposal is part of the GACC's set of recommendations outlined in its 2023 Corruption Report, titled "Reflections on the State of Corruption in Ghana.

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" Launched to coincide with the 2023 International Day Against Corruption, the report emphasizes the need for a more robust legal framework and increased collaboration between anti-graft agencies and the judiciary.The GACC, comprising 13 organizations representing civil society, state actors, and the private sector, envisions a corruption-free Ghana.

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“There is a need to be more radical in our efforts to achieve results, in the short term if Ghana is to deliver a big blow against corruption.”The coalition stresses the urgency of radical efforts in the short term to significantly impact corruption, calling for the enactment of a Corrupt Practices Act and a Conduct of Public Officers Act.

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Collaborating closely with the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP), the GACC endorses legislative measures as vital for establishing a stronger legal foundation and more effective mechanisms to combat and penalize corruption-related offenses.

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Additionally, the coalition advocates for a holistic approach to the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP II), emphasizing the need for widespread support and resources, both financial and non-financial, for effective implementation.“State institutions must compulsorily create, strengthen, and work with internal audit units to perform oversight functions internally,” it added.

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Addressing regulatory reforms, the GACC underscores the importance of prosecuting public officers implicated in audit offenses, especially in response to the Auditor-General's recommendations for administrative and audit reforms. The coalition calls for mandatory creation, reinforcement, and collaboration with internal audit units within state institutions to enhance internal oversight.

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Further recommendations include the institutionalization of a value system that prompts officials with tarnished reputations to resign or recuse themselves from office. Regarding political party activities, the GACC advises preemptive measures by the government to prevent incumbent abuse and electoral corruption during the 2024 general elections.

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It also recommends that political parties assume responsibility for providing logistical support to delegates during internal elections.Expressing concern over Ghana consistently scoring below 50 points on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), Beauty Emefa Narteh, the GACC Executive Secretary, highlights the stagnation in the fight against corruption.

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Narteh underscores the pervasive impact of corruption on various societal aspects, linking it to conflict, instability, and threats to social, economic, and democratic development. The GACC commemorated the 2023 International Day Against Corruption in collaboration with its Local Accountability Networks (LANets) across the country, emphasizing the imperative of holistic commitment from all stakeholders to effectively combat corruption. Mrs.

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Narteh underscores the rarity of prosecutions for corruption despite numerous reported cases, reinforcing the coalition's call for the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Court.

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