Financial irregularities within Ghana’s public boards, corporations, and statutory institutions surged by 109.3 per cent in 2024. These discrepancies rose from GHS 8.8 billion to GHS 18.4 billion, according to the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition’s (GACC) State of Corruption Report, 2025.
This sharp increase signals weak expenditure controls across public institutions. The GACC report, which uses data from the Auditor-General’s report, warns that these substantial resources could have funded critical social and economic development projects if managed properly. The rise in irregularities within these specific public entities is a major concern for national finances.
This surge in financial mismanagement fits into a broader narrative of stagnating anti-corruption performance in Ghana. The nation scored 42 out of 100 points on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) in 2024, dropping 10 places globally to 80th position. This regression places Ghana back at its 2018 ranking, highlighting a lack of progress in combating corruption over several years.
The GACC report attributes the recurring nature of these irregularities to weak enforcement of existing rules. It notes that public officials often circumvent administrative and internal control systems without facing adequate consequences. This systemic failure undermines efforts to safeguard public funds and ensure accountability.
The implications of such widespread financial irregularities are significant for Ghana’s economy and public trust. Decision-makers must now consider stronger oversight and enforcement mechanisms, especially in public procurement and contract management. Markets and international partners will watch closely for concrete actions to address these systemic weaknesses.
While irregularities in public boards rose steeply, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) showed a different trend. Irregularities within MDAs fell by 14.6 per cent, from GHS 2.4 billion in 2023 to more than GHS 2 billion in 2024. District Assemblies also recorded a 14.9 per cent decline over the same period, from GHS 22.2 million to GHS 18.9 million.
Despite these declines at the MDA and district levels, the report noted alarming increases in specific types of irregularities within MDAs. These include issues related to cash, outstanding debtor and loan recoverables, payroll, procurement, and rent. This trend points to an urgent need for enhanced accountability and improved internal controls even where overall figures decreased.
In total, irregularities across public boards, MDAs, and District Assemblies amounted to more than GHS 20.4 billion during the year under review. This staggering sum represents a significant leakage of public funds that could otherwise support essential services and infrastructure development. The GACC emphasizes that these funds are vital for national progress.
The Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance further supports concerns about Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts. It shows Ghana’s anti-corruption mechanisms score fell from 62 in 2014 to 46 in 2023. The sharpest declines were in anti-corruption investigations and independent appointments to anti-corruption bodies, both dropping 25 points over this period.
Findings from the Ghana Statistical Service’s Governance Series also reveal public experiences with corruption. In 2025, 14.3 per cent of Ghanaians reported giving gifts to public officials to access services. The Ghana Police Service, MMDAs, health facilities, the Passport Office, and the DVLA were among the institutions most associated with bribery.
The report highlighted a critical issue of public trust: 94.2 per cent of Ghanaians who experienced bribery did not report it. This reflects low confidence in existing redress mechanisms and a fear of retaliation. Such a high non-reporting rate hinders effective anti-corruption efforts.
An Afrobarometer survey referenced in the report further indicated declining public confidence. Only 16 per cent of Ghanaians rated the government’s performance in fighting corruption as “fairly well” or “very well” in 2024. This is a sharp drop from 60 per cent in 2017, showing a significant erosion of public perception.
The survey also found that the gap between citizens feeling safe reporting corruption and those fearing retaliation widened considerably. This gap grew from 26 percentage points in 2017 to 46 percentage points in 2024. This growing fear discourages citizens from coming forward with information about corrupt practices.
The GACC is therefore calling for a multifaceted approach to address the problem. This includes stronger enforcement of existing anti-corruption laws and improved whistleblower protections. Sustained political will is essential to translate Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture into measurable and impactful results for the nation.