Challenge in fighting corruption in public service is with leadership – Franklin Cudjoe

The Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe has underscored the need for accountability in public office by government appointees.

He said the role of institutions tackling corruption such as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) need to be funded to enable them hold public officers to account.

During a discussion on The Key Points with Alfred Ocansey, he emphasized that public officials must be ready to face scrutiny, stating, “Once you’re in public office, every light is on you.”

When asked whether Ghana should overhaul its prosecutorial institutions, he argued that leadership, rather than structural overhauls, is the real issue.

He stated that corruption persists because individuals in charge often align their interests with those of political leaders.

“The problem has always been leadership. If we place men and women of integrity at the helm, institutions can function effectively,” Cudjoe said on February 8.

He also advocated for a more streamlined anti-corruption framework, suggesting that agencies such as the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), the Attorney-General’s Department, and the OSP should collaborate more efficiently.

Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of ensuring that the findings of the Office of the Special Prosecutor leads to concrete actions.

He warned against returning to the status quo, where institutions fail to prosecute major corruption cases.

“The concern is that we may end up back at square one. The state must ensure that the OSP’s recommendations are not ignored,” Cudjoe stated.

He noted that when doubts arise regarding a matter, the individual involved should be allowed to explain themselves fully.

The IMANI boss expressed concern over the handling of certain investigations, particularly when parliamentary committees abruptly halt inquiries.

Cudjoe acknowledged that while questioning integrity is inevitable in heated debates, the provision of evidence should help settle matters.

Referring to a recent case, he argued that if an individual has proven ownership or legality of a property in question, the matter should be put to rest.

On the issue of strengthening Ghana’s justice system, Cudjoe suggested learning from Brazil and other countries that have effectively tackled corruption.

He noted that Ghana lacks a strong prosecutorial framework, particularly when cases are politically charged.

“If indeed the issues are many, then the process should be expedited. The government should consider recruiting more independent prosecutors, ensuring that cases are handled objectively.”

He highlighted that relying solely on existing institutions, such as the Attorney-General’s office, may not yield the best results due to perceived biases.

He proposed engaging private legal experts and providing them with targeted training to bolster anti-corruption efforts.

By Christabel Success Treve