Theoretical Perspectives and Explanations of Political Corruption in Ghana

Abstract

Ghana is brandished as one of the most politically stable democracies in Africa. The country has conducted seven successful elections without any upheaval. There have been various policies and strategies to combat corruption since the country assumed its democratic status. Corruption has been one of the significant developmental challenges to democratic stability and legitimacy, social and economic development of the country. Undoubtedly, somewhat attempt to understand completely the development problems facing democracy especially in emerging countries (including Ghana), must confront squarely with wanton corruption problems. Efforts to tweak the budding contagion by successive administration have become moribund. With hindsight, practically, and with no exception, political heads who have assumed office and claiming as surgeons have left the office as patients. What are the dynamics triggering unbridled political corruption and why becoming pervasive and intractable? The article grills political corruption in Ghana in the context of Soft State theory, clientelism, Prebendalism, and Patrimonialism. The paper contends that these theories are not only credible for understanding the predicaments of African countries however it also provides relevant justifications for the ravaging and unbridled political corruption, particularly in Ghana. The paper clinches that to address the problem of political corruption in Ghana concrete actions which is probably one of the ways to go is to strengthen legislation -working according to the stipulations of the constitution with regards to avoiding conflicting legislation, and stopping the appointment of cronies to head business institutions and this will go a long way to reduce corrupt tendencies.

Ghana is brandished as one of the most politically stable democracies in Africa. The country has conducted seven successful elections without any upheaval. There have been various policies and strategies to combat corruption since the country assumed its democratic status. Corruption has been one of the significant developmental challenges to democratic stability and legitimacy, social and economic development of the country. Undoubtedly, somewhat attempt to understand completely the development problems facing democracy especially in emerging countries (including Ghana), must confront squarely with wanton corruption problems. Efforts to tweak the budding contagion by successive administration have become moribund. With hindsight, practically, and with no exception, political heads who have assumed office and claiming as surgeons have left the office as patients. What are the dynamics triggering unbridled political corruption and why becoming pervasive and intractable? The article grills political corruption in Ghana in the context of Soft State theory, clientelism, Prebendalism, and Patrimonialism. The paper contends that these theories are not only credible for understanding the predicaments of African countries however it also provides relevant justifications for the ravaging and unbridled political corruption, particularly in Ghana. The paper clinches that to address the problem of political corruption in Ghana concrete actions which is probably one of the ways to go is to strengthen legislation -working according to the stipulations of the constitution with regards to avoiding conflicting legislation, and stopping the appointment of cronies to head business institutions and this will go a long way to reduce corrupt tendencies.