Accra: The Centre for Africa Development and Progress (CADeP) has called on the Ghanaian Parliament to cease passing new laws and instead concentrate on enforcing the existing statutes to address corruption and waste effectively. Mr. Johanes Koku Nyagblordzro, the Executive Chairman of CADeP, emphasized that Ghana is overwhelmed with laws, yet accountability remains a significant challenge. He likened the situation to attempting to fix a leaking roof by adding another floor to the building.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Nyagblordzro issued a statement in Accra expressing the frustration of Ghanaians over the annual reports from the Auditor-General revealing irregularities, the recurrent lapses noted by the Public Accounts Committee, and the stalled prosecutions by anti-corruption entities like the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Economic and Organised Crime Office. The 2022 Auditor-General’s report highlighted procurement breaches, unaccounted expenditures, and unlawful payments amounting to nearly GH?17 billion, with minimal recovery and insufficient sanctions.
The statement pointed out that state-owned enterprises also exhibited similar patterns, with GH?5 billion in irregularities reported in 2021. CADeP argued that the nation’s focus should be on political will and institutional integrity, urging a pause in Parliamentary activities to bolster oversight, ensure accountability by enforcement agencies, and promote civil society’s vigilance in demanding action.
CADeP warned that if Ghana continues to prioritize new legislation over the enforcement of existing laws, the cycle of waste and corruption will worsen. This trend would result in the disappearance of development funds, a loss of institutional credibility, and a growing disillusionment with democracy among citizens.
As a non-partisan, research, and educational institute, CADeP is committed to fostering a robust, equitable, and liberated Africa that provides opportunities for all.