Accra, 3rd November ,2025
The Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC)notes with deep concern the range of corruption and mismanagement of state resources reported in recent months- including matters raised in relation to Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), the Buffer Stock Company (BSC), the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and the several corruption allegation issues that came out from the Auditor General’s(AG) Report of 2024. We also note the findings and recommendations contained in the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) reports, the Attorney General’s public report and the Auditors General Report. Our position is that state resources should be used to address social service provisions, state infrastructure and address socio-economic and spatial inequalities in Ghana. Over the years, the political elite and greedy public officials have not confronted corruption with the urgency, passion and commitment with reference to its adverse impact of the lives of people. This opportunity is NOW!
ISODEC emphasizes that public confidence requires their non-negotiable elements: (1) transparency about official findings, (2) impartial and competent handling of any further investigative or legal steps, and (3) rigorous protection of due process rights for all parties. ISODEC reiterates its long-standing position that public trust in state institutions depends on transparent, timely and impartial handling of corruption allegations. In that light we call for the following, in strict adherence to constitutional and legal safeguards:
- Transparent Examination of Findings:all relevant findings and evidence documented by the OSP and the Attorney General should be made available to the appropriate oversight bodies, where permissible by law, to the public so that citizens can assess the completeness and integrity of the process.
- Impartial Investigations:Investigations must be led by competent, independent authorities with no conflict of interest, and must follow established legal procedures to ensure credibility and fairness.
- Adherence to Due process:Any actions taken against individuals or entities must respect the rule of law, including presumption of innocence, the right to fair hearing, and full access to legal remedies.
- Timely Case Management:ISODEC urges authorities to manage investigations and any resulting prosecution efficiently, avoiding undue delays that undermine confidence in accountability processes while also ensuring thoroughness. If possible, set up Regional Tribunals as indicated in the Constitution( Article 4 of the 1992 Constitution), a composition of which should include venerable citizens and members of CSOs to promote neutrality.
Accountability and Institutional Reform: Beyond individual cases, the state should implement the systemic reforms, oversight improvements, and anti-corruption measures including unexplained wealth, promote the public declaration and publication of assets of public office holders and revise the Public Procurement Authority Act with control systems as well as empower the Auditor General with powers to surcharge anyone found guilty of blatant infractions of the law to reduce opportunities for future wrongdoing. All culprits who would be found guilty (both former and current administration) of corruption must have ALL their assets taken over by the state and face a jail-term commensurate with the amount of money or infractions purported to have been stolen/made.
- Public Communication:Authorities should keep citizens appropriately informed regularly with timely updates about steps being taken, progress made, and the legal basis for actions to reinforce transparency and public confidence.
ISODEC stands ready to engage constructively with relevant agencies, civil society partners, and the public to support processes that strengthen accountability, protect the rights of all parties, and promote the long-term- integrity of Ghana’s public institutions. The public purse belongs to the people, and not for political parties and their cronies. All must rise up to speak-up against graft of any form anywhere and by anyone!
For further Information, please contact:
- Sam DANSE, Executive Director: 0261235700
- Bernard Anaba, Head of Policy and Programmes: 0244584565
- Charlotte Kpogli-Dzadey Lead Illicit Financial Flows 024 678 918
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