Financial Crime World

Ghana’s Police Force Plagued by Corruption and Abuse

The Ghanaian police force has been accused of widespread corruption and human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, detentions, and bribery. This article will explore the extent of the problem and the measures needed to address it.

Corruption and Human Rights Abuses

According to a report by Freedom House in 2016, the police have been involved in numerous scandals, including:

  • Arresting high-ranking officials for their role in a scheme that defrauded potential recruits out of thousands of dollars
  • Reports of police brutality, with victims subjected to beatings, rapes, and other forms of abuse

The US Department of State’s 2017 report on human rights in Ghana echoed these concerns, noting that the country’s police force was plagued by:

  • Corruption
  • Negligence
  • Impunity

Challenges in Implementation

Ghana has signed several international conventions aimed at preventing corruption, including:

  • The United Nations Convention against Corruption
  • The African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption

The country has also ratified these conventions, which outline specific measures to combat corruption and bribery. However, many experts believe that the definition of corruption needs to be modernized to include corporate and private bribery offenses.

Code of Conduct for Public Officers

Ghana’s government has established a Code of Conduct for Public Officers and the Civil Service Act, which provides guidelines on conflicts of interest for civil servants. However, these provisions do not include safeguards against:

  • Nepotism
  • Cronyism
  • Patronage

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ghana’s police force is plagued by corruption and abuse, and significant reforms are needed to address these issues. The government must prioritize the implementation of its anti-corruption legal framework and ensure that those responsible for abuses are held accountable.

Key Takeaways

  • 61% of respondents have paid bribes to police officers (Ghana Integrity Initiative study)
  • Many Ghanaians believe the police force is ineffective and corrupt (US Department of State survey)