The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Saviour Kudze, has voiced concerns regarding the effectiveness of the 1992 constitution in combating corruption in the country.

During an appearance on JoyNews' PM Express, Mr. Kudze expressed strong reservations about existing legislation, suggesting that it inadvertently fosters corruption rather than preventing it.

He highlighted a key flaw in the legal framework, pointing out that both the giver and the receiver of bribes are equally culpable.

According to Kudze, this approach discourages individuals from reporting corruption, as they may incriminate themselves in the process.

“Our laws on corruption itself facilitate corruption and I am convinced that unless we re-look at them, we will not go far in the fight against corruption. If you have a law that says the giver and taker of corruption are equally guilty how do you expect to fight corruption with such a law?

“Do you think, I’d bribe somebody and go and report that I have given a bribe when I know that they will arrest me and arrest the person as well, charge both of us, and possibly jail us?” he quizzed.

He further continued, “I don’t think that will happen.”

Corruption has long hindered Ghana's development, despite numerous efforts to combat it. On a Tuesday show, the GBA PRO emphasized the need for a reassessment of existing laws and a shift in societal values.

He lamented the current societal trend, where the pursuit of financial gain often outweighs cherished principles and values. Calling for a reevaluation of societal norms, he stressed the importance of returning to fundamental values as a means to address the underlying causes of corruption.

“And I have also said that it appears as a people we have unconsciously limited our definition of success to material gains. If it is not money then you are not successful. Ask the average Ghanaian, ‘Who is successful?’ and that person will begin to mention material things.

“So I think we have lost our values, and we have to re-look at it because as individuals who make up society if we have principles and values that we cherish, we shouldn’t be having some of these problems.”

Mr. Kudze's comments followed the Chief Justice, Gertrude Tokornoo's, articulation of her vision for the judicial arm of government. Her vision includes a thorough review of ethical practices to rebuild integrity within the legal system.