A 2023 survey conducted by Afrobarometer has revealed that 77% of Ghanaians believe corruption levels have increased in recent years.
Afrobarometer’s comprehensive survey across 39 African nations shed light on widespread perceptions of corruption in various sectors of government, including political leaders, parliamentarians, the judiciary, and civil servants.
The report indicated that 67% of Africans feel their governments are failing to effectively combat corruption.
The report also highlighted a troubling trend, noting that 71% of those who report corruption risk facing retaliation (Dulani, Asiamah, & Zindikirani, 2023).
“Two-thirds (67%) of Africans say their governments are failing in the fight against corruption, and 71% say people who report corruption to the authorities risk retaliation (Dulani, Asiamah, & Zindikirani, 2023).”
The study underscored growing concerns among African citizens about the pervasive nature of corruption within their countries.
It also revealed that nearly six out of ten Africans believe corruption levels have escalated over the past year, particularly in countries like South Africa.
“Given the corrosive effects of official corruption on popular support for and satisfaction with democracy, the news from recent findings about corruption trends is not good: In the eyes of ordinary Africans, the problem is getting worse.
“On average across 39 countries, nearly six in 10 citizens (58%) say corruption levels in their countries increased over the past year, including 82% in South Africa and 87% in Eswatini. Only three countries record majorities who say corruption decreased: Benin (70%), Mali (64%), and Zambia (53%).”