Public institutions are the bedrock of collective trust. They promise citizens that their taxes will be translated into safety and security. When this promise is broken, it sends a message that public service is for sale, that laws are negotiable, and that criminal organizations can influence decision making processes.
Ghana has taken decisive steps to ensure that public trust is upheld. Addressing corruption risks requires more than just reforms. It also requires political will. Learn more about United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) efforts to support public institutions in Ghana.
Corruption is not a high – level concept but rather a series of specific actions and schemes taken. It is no stranger to institutions of power in any country and manifests itself in many forms, further widening the gap between the powerful and powerless. Addressing corruption risks in public institutions is not merely a matter of good governance; it’s a prerequisite for sustainable progress.
Corruption can undermine the very foundation of governance, eroding trust, and hindering development. To tackle this issue, UNODC uses a structured approach - corruption risk assessment. This methodology, based on ISO 31000 international standard for risk management, identifies vulnerabilities to corruption within organizations and provides actionable steps to reduce them. Essentially, institutions work on a detailed map to navigate and avoid corruption pitfalls.
The process includes five key steps:
Every organization or authority faces some degree of corruption risk. By proactively addressing these risks, institutions can safeguard their integrity and maintain public trust.
Since 2021, UNODC has been collaborating with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) of Ghana to help public institutions like the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Ghana Health Service to integrate corruption prevention into the fabric of these institutions. These efforts are in line with the National Anti-Corruption Plan of Ghana (NACAP), that envisages the assessment of Ghanaian institutions and agencies on the integration of corruption prevention measures in their work programmes.
One of the public bodies in which effective corruption risk management is particularly essential is parliament. As the cornerstone of lawmaking, representing the public and government oversight, parliament must remain transparent and accountable to prevent corruption from undermining its vital functions.
In October 2024, UNODC, with CHRAJ support, facilitated a corruption risk assessment for Ghana’s Parliament and Parliamentary Service, which was followed by a second workshop in November on corruption risk management. A result - a comprehensive corruption risk mitigation plan, in line with the National Anti-Corruption Plan of Ghana. The plan is more than a document. It’s a blueprint for safeguarding Parliament’s integrity.
By embedding anti-corruption measures in its operations, Ghana’s Parliament is setting a powerful example for other public institutions in the region.
The value of corruption risk assessments is realized not only through the development of robust mitigation plans but also through their effective implementation. Achieving this requires sustained commitment and regular monitoring, adequate resources and fostering a culture that supports integrity and accountability.
The Corruption Management Plan has been adopted by the Parliament of Ghana. A newly established Corruption Prevention Committee (CPC) will oversee the implementation and ensure adequate monitoring and evaluation of activities. The benefits will be far-reaching.
Since 2015, UNODC has been a vital ally in helping public organizations strengthen their anti-corruption response. To date, UNODC has provided support to more than 38 institutions worldwide, spanning across critical sectors such as law enforcement, customs, prisons, infrastructure, healthcare, and institutions mandated with the management of natural resources - including fisheries, forestry and wildlife.
