The United Nations’ latest study on bribery trends in Ghana for 2021 has unveiled the institutions most prone to accepting bribes.
Topping the list interestingly is not the Ghana Police who have always been tagged with the menace for decades.
The Lands Commission, an agency falling under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources takes tops the list. With an average bribe size of about 1700, the Commission’s practices have come under scrutiny.
Following closely in second place is Ghana’s judicial system, encompassing prosecutors, judges, and magistrates. This segment registered an average bribe size of 1205, highlighting potential areas of concern within the country’s legal framework.
The survey reveals alarming patterns, indicating that bribery is alarmingly prevalent within Ghana’s public services. Ranging from local government representatives to teachers and public utility officials, these institutions reportedly demand bribes for 80 to 95 percent of the services they provide.
The study further uncovers regional disparities in bribery rates. The Oti Region stands out as the most concerning, with public officers seeking or accepting bribes in over 91 percent of their duties. The Northern, Upper East, North East, Upper West, and Ashanti regions also recorded substantial bribery rates.
