Ghana's journey in combating corruption has been a complex and challenging one, marked by fluctuations in its Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score over the years. While the nation once boasted a relatively high score, reflecting a stronger perception of integrity, recent years have witnessed a concerning decline. However, recent developments suggest a renewed commitment to tackling corruption under the leadership of President John Mahama, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.

The CPI, a widely recognised metric published by Transparency International, assesses the perceived levels of public sector corruption in various countries. Ghana's historical performance reveals a peak in 2014, during John Mahama's previous tenure as president, when the country achieved a score of 48 out of 100.

This benchmark represented a period where Ghana was perceived to have relatively strong anti-corruption measures in place and a lower incidence of corrupt practices.

Unfortunately, following this high point, Ghana experienced a downward trajectory in its CPI scores. Year after year, the nation's performance deteriorated, culminating in a score of 42 in 2024. This decline raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing anti-corruption mechanisms and the potential prevalence of corrupt activities within the public sector.

The slide in the CPI score served as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for renewed efforts to combat corruption and restore public trust.

However, recent developments offer a reason for cautious optimism. In the first year of President Mahama's second term, Ghana's CPI score for 2025 has shown a slight improvement, reaching 43. This upward tick, though modest, signifies a positive shift in the perception of corruption in the country. It suggests that the government's efforts to combat corruption are beginning to yield some results, even if incrementally.

According to the Transparency International Ghana report, this score places Ghana 76th among 182 countries assessed globally. While this ranking is still far from ideal, it represents a step in the right direction, indicating that Ghana is moving towards a more transparent and accountable governance system.

The improvement in the CPI score reflects a growing recognition of the importance of good governance and the detrimental effects of corruption on economic development and social progress.

The significance of this improvement cannot be overstated. It demonstrates that President Mahama's administration is taking concrete steps to address corruption, showing a commitment to upholding integrity and promoting accountability. This renewed focus on fighting corruption is essential for building a stronger and a better Ghana.

The upward trend in the CPI score provides hope for better scores in the coming years. With continued commitment and sustained efforts, Ghana can further improve its ranking and strengthen its reputation as a nation that values transparency and accountability.

The fight against corruption is an ongoing process that requires collaboration from all stakeholders, including government, civil society, and the private sector. By working together, Ghana can create a more equitable and just society where corruption is minimised and opportunities are available to all.

In conclusion, while Ghana has faced challenges in its fight against corruption in recent years, the slight improvement in the 2025 CPI score offers a glimmer of hope.

Under the leadership of President Mahama, the nation has the potential to reverse the downward trend and build a stronger, more transparent governance system. By sustaining efforts and fostering collaboration, Ghana can achieve even greater success in combating corruption and creating a brighter future for its citizens.