Ghana’s Anti-Corruption Laws Require Urgent Modernization, Says Prof. Prempeh

Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh criticized Ghana’s outdated anti-corruption laws during the 5th Constitution Day Public Lecture. He emphasized the necessity for legal reform and innovation to effectively combat corruption, acknowledging that the current legal framework is inadequate for modern challenges. His comments highlight an urgent need for Ghana to update its laws to keep pace with evolving corrupt practices.

During the 5th Constitution Day Public Lecture, Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, articulated significant concerns regarding the inadequacies of Ghana’s legal framework in addressing contemporary corruption. He stated that the current laws are outdated and ineffective against the evolving nature of corrupt practices, thereby undermining successful anti-corruption efforts. Professor Prempeh highlighted the urgent need for legal reform to enhance the efficacy of initiatives aimed at combating corruption in the nation.

Addressing the audience, he acknowledged that while the existing constitution provides some mechanisms for tackling corruption, it is not sufficient in its current form. He remarked, “There are some tools in the constitution even as we find it today. The constitution is not perfect, but it does have something in there that can be the basis of a credible fight against corruption.” Nonetheless, he underscored the necessity of innovation in legal practices to effectively address corruption.

Professor Prempeh further asserted that the legal institutions in Ghana are stuck in the past, emphasizing, “I think our legal institutions, including our legal doctrines, are way too archaic for the time. We must embrace a lot of legal innovation because corruption mutates day by day.” He contrasted Ghana’s reliance on legislation dating back to 1962 with the dynamic legal changes in developed nations aimed at combating corruption, stressing that such outdated laws are no longer adequate.

In conclusion, Professor Prempeh’s remarks illuminate the critical need for Ghana to modernize its anti-corruption legal framework. He acknowledges that while existing constitutional elements can support anti-corruption efforts, they are insufficient. The call for legal innovation is paramount to ensuring that Ghana can effectively respond to the ever-changing landscape of corruption and maintain integrity within its governance structures.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com