The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has advocated for the establishment of a specialized anti-corruption court as part of measures to enhance the fight against corruption.

This recommendation was highlighted in the GACC's Corruption Report 2023, titled "Reflections on the State of Corruption in Ghana," which was launched to mark the 2023 International Day Against Corruption.

The GACC, a coalition of 13 organizations comprising civil society, state actors, and a private sector body, emphasized the need for collaboration between state anti-graft agencies and the judicial arm of government.

“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.”

GACC has recommended the passing of a Corrupt Practices Act and a Conduct of Public Officers Act as part of efforts to strengthen the legal framework and mechanisms for combating and penalizing corruption and corruption-related offenses.

The GACC echoed the sentiment expressed by the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) that legislative measures are crucial for establishing a robust legal framework in the fight against corruption.

Additionally, the GACC called for a holistic approach to the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP II) to ensure widespread support and the availability of necessary resources, both financial and non-financial, for effective implementation.

The coalition emphasized the importance of regulatory reforms to ensure that public officers found guilty of audit offenses are prosecuted, especially in response to the widespread disregard for the Auditor-General's recommendations for administrative and audit reforms.

“State institutions must compulsorily create, strengthen, and work with internal audit units to perform oversight functions internally,” it added.

The Coalition has put forth a series of recommendations, including institutionalizing a value system that prompts individuals whose conduct in public office is disreputable to resign or recuse themselves.

The coalition also urged the government to take measures to prevent abuse of incumbency and electoral corruption during the 2024 general elections, emphasizing the need for political parties to provide logistical support to delegates during internal elections.

Beauty Emefa Narteh, the Executive Secretary of GACC, expressed concern about Ghana consistently ranking below 50 points on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), despite continuous advocacy efforts by anti-corruption bodies. She highlighted the negative impacts of corruption on various aspects of society, emphasizing its connection to conflict, instability, and the undermining of democratic institutions.

Narteh underscored the importance of holistic commitment from all stakeholders in the fight against corruption, noting that the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Court is crucial given the challenges in prosecuting offenders and ensuring accountability. The recommendations and concerns were part of GACC's activities to mark the 2023 International Day Against Corruption, which focused on the link between anti-corruption efforts, peace, security, and development.