Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts have shown no significant progress, according to the latest global assessment released today. The country’s score in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) remains stalled at 43 out of 100, reflecting a persistent challenge in tackling graft.
The report, published by Transparency International on Tuesday, ranks Ghana 76th out of 182 countries assessed worldwide. While the score marks a slight one-point increase from the 42 recorded in 2024, analysts indicate the change is statistically negligible and does not represent meaningful improvement.
Ghana’s CPI performance has largely flatlined around the 43-point mark since 2020, remaining well below its peak score of 48 achieved in 2014.
Domestic Actions Undermine Public Trust
The index results arrive amid growing domestic concerns over the integrity of key institutions. Recent controversies—including the removal of a former Chief Justice, petitions targeting heads of independent bodies, and the discontinuation of major corruption cases through a contested 60:40 settlement policy—have fueled allegations of executive interference and eroded public confidence.
Although the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has initiated measures to improve transparency in its operations, the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Transparency International’s local chapter, states these steps have not yet yielded concrete results in the CPI scoring.
Global and Regional Backslide
Globally, corruption continues to intensify, with even long-standing democracies experiencing decline. The global average CPI score now stands at 42. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the lowest-performing region, with an average score of just 32.
In response to the findings, François Valérian, Chair of Transparency International’s Board, emphasized that isolated national efforts are insufficient. “In an interconnected world, we need both national action and multilateral cooperation to protect the public interest,” he stated.
Calls for Accelerated Reforms
TI-Ghana has issued a series of recommendations, urging the government to:
· Prioritise justice sector reforms, including establishing specialised anti-corruption courts.
· Expedite the passage of the Community Tribunal Bill.
· Reform political party financing laws.
· Safeguard media freedom and civic space.
· Enhance transparency within regulatory agencies.
The organisation framed the CPI as a “warning signal,” asserting that “with sustained political will and measurable reforms, Ghana can rebuild public trust and achieve stronger anti-corruption outcomes over time.”
The government is yet to issue an official response to the 2025 index findings.
