The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with the European Union (EU), has launched a project to strengthen the rule of law and combat corruption in the country.

The $12.7 million, three-year project, which commenced in July 2024, will also support initiatives aimed at improving accountability under the country’s laws.

Speaking at the launch, Astrid Kohl, Programme Director of PAIReD, stated that the project’s objective is to strengthen the capacity of state actors in the fight against corruption, enhance the participation of civil society and the media in accountability processes, and promote digitalization and collaboration among anti-corruption actors within the criminal justice chain.

The Head of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Commissioner Joseph Whittal, explained that corruption is one of the key factors undermining sustainable development, good governance, and public trust in the country.

He stated, “It undermines the rule of law, erodes confidence in public administration, and diverts resources meant for national development.”

He further emphasised that the fight against corruption is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative.

He added that CHRAJ is responsible for promoting fundamental human rights, enhancing accountability and public service delivery, combating corruption, and upholding the integrity of public service.

Whittal noted that the project presents a timely opportunity for the public sector and civil society organizations to access resources to build capacity and advocate against corruption, ensuring that the public understands how to hold public officials accountable.

Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, Beauty Narteh, also highlighted that the country loses approximately $3 billion to corruption annually.

She emphasised that Ghana has regressed in the fight against corruption and is currently ranked 80th out of 180 countries.

Citing data from the 2024 Afrobarometer survey, she revealed that about 74% of Ghanaians believe corruption has increased in recent years.

Madam Narteh further stressed the importance of the fight against corruption, stating that the politicisation of corruption remains a major challenge in the country.

She urged the public to recognize corruption as a national offence and encouraged citizens to resist, reject, and report corrupt practices.