Ghana’s corruption score remains at 43 as ranking falls to 76th globally
Ghana has scored 43 out of 100 in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, maintaining the same score for the sixth consecutive year while falling five places to rank 76th among 182 countries assessed, Transparency International Ghana announced on February10 2026.
The anti corruption organisation linked the lack of movement partly to the withdrawal of corruption cases involving members of the governing administration through 60 40 settlements, which it said raised public concern and lowered expectations created by the publication of Operation Recover All Loot.
Transparency International Ghana said the unchanged score shows government anti corruption efforts are not making enough impact, pointing to continuing weaknesses in enforcement, political accountability and institutional performance.
“Ghana’s performance reflects persistent weaknesses in enforcement, political accountability, and institutional effectiveness. Addressing this requires urgent action to strengthen the justice system, safeguard institutional independence, regulate political party financing, and ensure transparency in public office,” the organisation stated in a press release.
Ghana scored 42 in 2024, meaning the one point increase to 43 in 2025 represents marginal improvement. The country has stayed around a score of 43 since 2020, which Transparency International Ghana said does not amount to change under the index methodology.
Ghana’s corruption perception has declined from its peak score of 48 in 2014. The rating fell to 40 in 2017 before improving to 41 in 2018 and 2019, which Transparency International Ghana linked to public reaction to a change in government at the time.
The organisation said the index score should be treated as an early signal rather than a final judgement, adding that the country’s position points to corruption challenges, weak compliance with legal rules and institutions under strain. It also cited interference in the work of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies, as well as executive influence, as factors shaping public perception.
The report noted that steps taken in 2025 to increase transparency in corruption investigations and prosecutions, including actions by the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the removal of the former Chief Justice, have not led to an improved perception rating.
Transparency International Ghana called for reforms, including strengthening the justice system and protecting its independence. The organisation welcomed the Chief Justice’s decision to fast track the establishment of anti corruption courts, which it said would speed up the hearing of related cases.
It also urged Parliament to pass the Community Tribunal Bill, which remains among measures awaiting attention during the current sitting. Other proposals include adopting the National Ethics and Anti Corruption Plan, promoting ethical conduct, improving the business environment, revising political party financing rules, protecting civic space and media freedom, and raising awareness among designated non financial businesses and professions of their anti money laundering duties.
“TI Ghana reiterates that the CPI serves as a warning signal, not a verdict. However, Ghana’s performance reflects persistent weaknesses in enforcement, political accountability, and institutional effectiveness,” the statement said.
“Defensive responses will not change perceptions; consistent action will. With sustained political will and measurable reforms, Ghana can rebuild public trust and improve its anti corruption outcomes over time.”
Sub Saharan Africa ranked lowest on the global index of 182 countries. Ten of the 49 countries in the region have deteriorated since 2012, while seven have improved over the same period. The regional average score stands at 32 out of 100, which Transparency International linked to misuse of public funds and low political integrity among leaders.
Globally, corruption levels are rising, with even established democracies recording higher levels amid declining leadership standards. The global average score stands at 42 out of 100, the lowest level in more than a decade.
Mr François Valérian, Board Chair of Transparency International, said: “In an interconnected world, we need both national action and multilateral cooperation to protect the public interest and tackle shared challenges like corruption. At a time when we’re seeing a dangerous disregard for international norms from some states, we need to protect a rules based global order that is grounded in transparency, accountability to citizens and respect for human rights.”
The Corruption Perceptions Index, launched in 1995, scores 180 countries and territories based on perceptions of public sector corruption, drawing on data from 13 external sources including the World Bank, World Economic Forum, private risk and consulting firms and think tanks.
