The government has described as “extremely misleading”, a story published by myjoyonline.com and broadcast on Joy FM to the effect that a Gallup poll conducted in 129 countries had ranked Ghana as the third most corrupt country.
“A thorough study of the Gallup poll shows that nowhere is it suggested that Ghana is the third most corrupt country among the 129 countries in which the poll was conducted”, the statement which was signed by the deputy Minister for Information and Media Relations, Mr Felix Ofosu-Kwakye, read.
According to statement, Ghana which had a score of 89 per cent, ranked lower than countries such as Tanzania (95%), Czech Republic- (94%), Kenya- (93%), Nigeria - (92%), Chad - (92%), Greece - (92%), Uganda- (91%), Kosovo - (90%).
Cameroon and Bosnia Herzegovina also had 89 per cent, the statement noted.
The government also described as inaccurate, Joy FM’s report that the poll was conducted in 129 “Free Press” countries.
It pointed out that 129 countries were put in three categories namely, “Free Press” Countries, ”Partly Free” Press countries and “Not Free Press Countries.
The government said it was satisfied that Ghana was classified in the “Free press” category alongside established democracies like the United States of America, Portugal, Italy, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia and Norway .
The government also called on media organisations to ensure that “truth, accuracy, balance and professionalism” are adhered to in their work.
"As far as corruption itself is concerned, government wishes to assure Ghanaians that it has taken steps to intensify the fight against the canker and remains committed to running an open, transparent and accountable government," the statement concluded.
Source: Graphic.com.gh/Ghana
