The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) has issued a resounding call for renewed national commitment to the fight against corruption, stressing that Ghana’s progress, peace, and moral integrity depend on courageous and independent action from key anti-corruption institutions.
The statement, part of a communique released at the end of the Bishops 2025 Annual Plenary Assembly in Damongo, described corruption as a “cancer” that weakens justice, undermines public trust, and cripples national development.
According to the Bishops, Ghana’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index score of 42/100, ranking 80th out of 180 countries, is a clear warning that ethical governance remains a major national challenge demanding urgent attention.
The Conference emphasized that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) must operate with complete independence both in reality and in public perception.
“They must display the moral authority required for their daunting task,” the communique stated, calling for investigations based strictly on evidence, professionalism, and the rule of law, “without fear or favour.”
The Bishops insisted that political affiliation, social status, or economic power should never influence who is investigated or prosecuted.
A major concern raised was the chronic underfunding of anti-corruption agencies. The GCBC called for predictable, adequate, and protected funding to ensure these bodies can function fearlessly and efficiently.
The Conference urged government and state actors to refrain from any action “overt or subtle” that may interfere with or undermine the work of EOCO and the OSP. At the same time, the Bishops challenged these institutions to prove their independence through transparent, consistent, and impartial enforcement of anti-corruption laws.
The Bishops stressed that the success of the nation’s anti-corruption fight depends on how credible, courageous, and effective these institutions are perceived to be.
“The restoration of public trust cannot happen without a corruption-free justice system,” they warned.
While acknowledging the relative stability of the Ghanaian Cedi, the Bishops expressed concern that price levels for goods and services do not yet reflect this improvement. They urged authorities to ensure the stability benefits ordinary citizens and businesses.
The 2025 Damongo Plenary Assembly, attended by all Catholic Bishops in Ghana, concluded with an appeal for collective responsibility—government, institutions, communities, and citizens to uphold integrity for the common good.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
