Ghana's corruption score has climbed back to 43 out of 100 in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, placing the country 76th among 182 nations assessed, but experts warn the improvement is too marginal to signal real progress in the fight against graft.

The score, released on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, by Transparency International, represents a one-point increase from the 42 recorded in 2024. However, according to the organisation's methodology, this does not constitute a significant change.

Transparency International's Board Chair, François Valérian, emphasised the need for both domestic and international cooperation in tackling corruption.

"In an interconnected world, we need both national action and multilateral cooperation to protect the public interest and tackle shared challenges like corruption. At a time when we're seeing a dangerous disregard for international norms from some states, we need to protect a rules-based global order that is grounded in transparency, accountability to citizens and respect for human rights," he said.

Ghana has remained stuck at a CPI score of 43 since 2020, except for the dip to 42 last year. The country's highest score was 48 in 2014, after which it experienced a downward trajectory until 2018.

The 2025 assessment comes amid concerns about the politicisation of Ghana's justice system and law enforcement agencies.

The dismissal of the former Chief Justice, petitions for the removal of heads of independent institutions, and the discontinuation of corruption cases through a controversial 60:40 settlement arrangement have raised questions about executive interference.

The settlement process, which allowed government officials facing corruption charges to avoid prosecution by paying a portion of allegedly misappropriated funds, dampened public expectations following the launch of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL).

Despite efforts by the Office of the Special Prosecutor to increase transparency in corruption investigations and prosecutions, the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Transparency International's local chapter, says these measures have not made a significant impact.

Global and regional context

Globally, corruption is worsening even in established democracies. The number of countries scoring above 80 has shrunk from 12 a decade ago to just five this year, with the global average standing at 42 out of 100.

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to rank lowest on the index with an average score of 32 out of 100. Ten of the region's 49 countries have significantly deteriorated since 2012, while only seven have improved.

Recommendations for reform

TI-Ghana is calling on the government to strengthen the justice system, fast-track the creation of anti-corruption courts, and expeditiously adopt the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Plan (NEACAP).

The organisation also recommends that Parliament hasten passage of the Community Tribunal Bill, reform political party financing regulations, and protect civic space and media freedom.

Other recommendations include cultural reorientation focused on ethics, promoting transparency in state regulatory agencies, and strengthening awareness among Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions of their anti-money laundering obligations.

TI-Ghana stressed that the CPI serves as a warning signal, not a verdict, adding that defensive responses will not change perceptions.

"With sustained political will and measurable reforms, Ghana can rebuild public trust and improve its anti-corruption outcomes over time," the organisation stated.