Financial irregularities within Ghana’s public boards, corporations, and statutory institutions surged by 109.3% in 2024. The total amount rose from GHS 8.8 billion to GHS 18.4 billion during the period. This significant increase was reported by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) in its 2025 State of Corruption Report.
This sharp rise in financial misconduct signals weak expenditure controls across many public institutions. The GACC report, which uses the Auditor-General’s findings, warns that these substantial resources could have funded vital social and economic development projects. The irregularities affect the public by diverting funds from essential services and infrastructure.
This surge in irregularities fits into a broader narrative of Ghana's struggling anti-corruption efforts. The country scored 42 out of 100 points on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) in 2024. Ghana also dropped 10 places in global rankings, falling from 70th to 80th, returning to its 2018 position. This decline reflects a worrying trend in the nation's fight against corruption.
The GACC report attributes these recurring irregularities to weak enforcement mechanisms. It states that existing administrative and internal control systems are ineffective because public officials often circumvent rules without facing consequences. The report calls for a multifaceted approach to address these systemic issues.
The implications are significant for Ghana’s public finances and economic stability. This massive loss of funds could hinder government efforts to manage its budget and invest in critical sectors. Decision-makers must now consider stronger oversight and enforcement, especially in public procurement and contract management. Markets may react to concerns about fiscal discipline and governance.
While public boards saw a steep increase, irregularities within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) showed a different trend. MDAs recorded a 14.6% decrease, falling from GHS 2.4 billion in 2023 to over GHS 2 billion in 2024. District Assemblies also saw a 14.9% decline, from GHS 22.2 million to GHS 18.9 million over the same period. Despite these declines, the report noted alarming increases in specific types of irregularities within MDAs. These included issues with cash, outstanding debtor and loan recoverables, payroll, procurement, and rent. This highlights the need for enhanced accountability and stronger internal controls across all public sectors.
In total, irregularities across public boards, MDAs, and District Assemblies exceeded GHS 20.4 billion in 2024. The Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance further supports the declining anti-corruption trend. Ghana’s anti-corruption mechanisms score fell from 62 in 2014 to 46 in 2023. This decline was most pronounced in anti-corruption investigations and independent appointments to anti-corruption bodies, both dropping 25 points. These figures underscore a systemic weakening of institutions designed to prevent corruption.
Findings from the Ghana Statistical Service’s Governance Series reveal that 14.3% of Ghanaians reported giving gifts to public officials in 2025 to access services. Institutions like the Ghana Police Service, MMDAs, health facilities, the Passport Office, and the DVLA were frequently associated with bribery. A concerning 94.2% of Ghanaians who experienced bribery did not report it, indicating low public trust in redress mechanisms. The Afrobarometer survey in 2024 found that only 16% of Ghanaians believed the government was fighting corruption effectively, a sharp drop from 60% in 2017. The gap between citizens feeling safe reporting corruption and those fearing retaliation also widened significantly. The GACC is advocating for stronger enforcement of existing anti-corruption laws, improved whistleblower protections, and sustained political will. These measures are crucial to translate Ghana's anti-corruption framework into tangible results and restore public confidence.