Ghana's policy pitfalls: A case for transparency and integrity

The governance and ethical conduct standards within Ghana’s public sector have come under intense scrutiny due to recent reports shedding light on significant policy and corruption issues. 

A stark illustration of this is the controversial bus procurement scandal involving the Ghana Football Association (GFA), which was brought to public attention by Myjoyonline on March 4, 2025.

This issue was juxtaposed with the passionate appeal from the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, for enhanced anti-corruption measures, highlighted in the Daily Graphic on March 3, 2025.

Collectively, these events underscore a dire need for rigorous adherence to effective policy cycles and a steadfast commitment to integrity among public officials.

The situation calls for a fundamental shift in governance, where transparency and accountability become the bedrock of public service.

The GFA's bus project was initially conceived to address the pressing transportation challenges faced by lower-division football clubs.

However, what was intended to be a constructive initiative has spiralled into a damaging scandal. Details have emerged regarding alleged procurement of over-aged and unregistered buses through a sole-sourcing agreement with a company linked to Michael Osekere, the GFA's Chief of Staff.

This revelation has thrown into sharp relief the ethical implications at play, revealing a profound failure across several essential stages of the policy cycle.

The initial agenda-setting phase, despite having identified a legitimate issue, quickly veered off course during the policy formulation process.

The glaring absence of stakeholder engagement, inadequate market research, and a blatant disregard for competitive bidding protocols indicate a compromised decision-making framework.

Combating corruption

The fallout from this alleged procurement debacle doesn’t end with flawed planning; the subsequent implementation revealed further shortcomings, as the distribution of legally unusable vehicles worsened the issues already at hand.

Moreover, the lack of effective evaluation mechanisms has provided a comprehensive picture of a policy initiative mired in procedural lapses and ethical conflicts.

This highlights the critical need for more robust governance frameworks that can prevent such practices in the future.

Concurrent with the troubling GFA saga, the Special Prosecutor has raised alarm about the persistent challenges in combating corruption within the country.

Mr Agyebeng articulated the paradox of public sentiment, where there is an audible demand for stringent anti-corruption actions, yet a simultaneous resistance to the practical measures that would ensure their implementation.

His emphasis on the need for constitutional reforms that would bolster the independence of the Office of the Special Prosecutor is a vital point.

Strengthening the legal framework to address corrupt practices is an urgent necessity in the context of Ghana’s governance landscape.

Moreover, Mr Agyebeng's advocacy for the establishment of specialised courts to expedite corruption cases highlights a pressing need for a more efficient and effective justice system.

The intersection between the GFA scandal and Mr Agyebeng’s concerns paints a vivid picture of systemic weaknesses entrenched within Ghana’s governance framework.

Both cases reveal the detrimental fallout from neglecting proper policy procedures and ethical standards.

They serve as sobering reminders of how a lack of transparency and accountability fosters an environment ripe for corruption and the misappropriation of public resources. 

To effectively combat corruption and enhance the impact of policy decisions, Ghanaian policymakers must prioritise a rigorous approach to the policy cycle.

Adhering to each distinct stage—from agenda-setting to evaluation—is of paramount importance.

This adherence should encompass thorough needs assessments, active stakeholder engagement, and open, competitive procurement processes.

Such frameworks ensure that policies are not only well-informed but also reflective of the diverse interests and needs of the public.

In addition, the enforcement of ethical standards must take centre stage within governance structures. Clear guidelines addressing conflicts of interest should be rigorously observed, ensuring that all decision-making processes hinge on objective criteria.

This level of diligence will help to build trust in public institutions, as citizens will see that decisions are made with integrity, free from undue influence. 

Transparency

Promoting a culture of transparency and accountability is also crucial. Open governance practices not only enhance trust but also invite public engagement, fostering a sense of ownership among citizens regarding policy outcomes.

Efforts should be made to cultivate a culture where accountability becomes not just an expectation but a shared value among all public officials. 

Strengthening anti-corruption institutions is essential for enabling effective responses to breaches of integrity.

Allocating adequate resources and granting independence to these agencies will empower them to carry out their mandates more effectively and instil public confidence in their operations. 

Finally, comprehensive legal reforms are necessary to create a framework that addresses corrupt practices thoroughly.

Laws targeting unexplained wealth, political party financing, and other forms of corruption need to be robust and clearly articulated.

Such measures will not only deter corrupt practices but also facilitate a legal landscape that supports transparency.

In conclusion, by adopting these principles, Ghana has the potential to foster a public service environment characterised by transparency, accountability and ethical integrity. 

The writer is a Political Scientist