A survey by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), has shown that about 26.7 percent of Ghanaian adults engaged in bribery activities with public officials in 2021. The figure which represents more than a quarter of adults in the country is a reflection of bribes paid within a 12-month period, totaling approximately five billion Cedis.
The survey, which sought to collect evidence-based information on forms of corruption affecting the populace to determine the prevalence of the act and its prevailing typologies, was conducted by GSS in collaboration with the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Presenting the findings at the launch of the 2021 Ghana Integrity of Public Services Survey (GIPSS) – People’s Experiences and Views, on Corruption Report, Government Statistician, Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim, said though the survey targeted adults who were 18 years and above, it came out that people aged between 25 and 34 are the age group most likely to pay bribes.
Again, he stated that people with the highest level of education are one point six times more likely to pay bribes than those with no formal education. The report covered the scope of bribery, who takes bribes, how bribery works, gender dimensions, nepotism, and vote-buying in Ghana.
The Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, Richard Quayson, in his remarks, said the report, which is the first comprehensive, nationally representative population survey on corruption in Ghana will pave the way for targeted policy interventions that can enhance the fight against corruption.
For her part, the UNODC Representative, Dr. Jennifer Bratford reiterated her organisation’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s efforts in fighting corruption.