In 2021, a significant portion of Ghana's adult population engaged in bribery to access public services, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). The Ghana Integrity of Public Services Survey (GIPSS) revealed that 26.7% of adults who interacted with public officials paid a bribe or were asked to do so. This equates to approximately 17.4 million bribes, amounting to an estimated GH₵5 billion (about $420
Prevalence and Patterns of Bribery
The survey highlighted that bribery is more prevalent among younger and more educated individuals. Adults aged 25 to 34 were the most likely to pay bribes, with a prevalence rate of 29.9%, while those aged 65 and over had a rate of 17.6%. Interestingly, individuals with tertiary education were 1.6 times more likely to pay bribes than those
Geographically, bribery rates varied across the country. The Western North, Ahafo, and North East regions reported the highest prevalence rates, at 53.4%, 47.0%, and 41.9%, respectively. In contrast, Bono East, Savannah, and Volta regions had significantly lower rates, at 11.8%, 14.5%, and 19.1%, respectively .
Forms and Motivations for Bribery
Bribes were typically paid in cash, food and drinks, valuables, or in exchange for other services. Cash payments accounted for 84.8% of bribes, followed by food and drinks at 13.3%. The primary motivations for paying bribes included expediting procedures (33.6%), avoiding fines (13.8%), and circumventing problems (10.8%) .(Graphic, Ghana Business News)
Institutional and Regional Insights
The Ghana Police Service was identified as the most corrupt institution, with 53.2% of respondents reporting bribery incidents involving police officers. Other institutions with high bribery rates included the Ghana Immigration Service (37.4%) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (33.6%) .(Citi Newsroom, Citi Newsroom)
Implications and Policy Considerations
The widespread nature of bribery in Ghana's public sector underscores the need for comprehensive anti-corruption measures. The government has initiated the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) to address these issues. The evaluation of NACAP's first phase will inform the development of the second phase (2025–2034), aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, and integrity within public institutions .(The Ghana Sentinel, GBC Ghana Online)
Addressing bribery in Ghana requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening legal frameworks, promoting civic education, and ensuring the effective implementation of anti-corruption policies. By tackling the root causes and manifestations of bribery, Ghana can work towards a more transparent and equitable public service system.
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