The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ghana Integrity Initiative, the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, and SEND Ghana on Wednesday, March 8 released a survey on citizens’ knowledge, perceptions and experiences of corruption dubbed ‘Corruption Is Eating Us Up: A Call to Action’ in Accra.
United States Ambassador Robert P. Jackson joined members of civil society, the Ghanaian government, and the private sector at the launch event, which discussed the survey’s findings and ways to combat corruption in Ghana.
USAID supported the Ghana Integrity Initiative and its local partners SEND Ghana and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition to conduct the survey through its Accountable Democratic Institution Systems Strengthening activity.
The activity aims to increase the accountability of institutions.
The survey polled 17,996 Ghanaians in 50 districts in all 10 regions of Ghana about their understanding, perception, and experience with corruption in various institutions.
The survey found that nearly two-thirds of respondents believed that corruption was on the rise, with a majority reporting corruption in a number of institutions such as the health system, the education system, and the police.
In more hopeful news, the survey also reported that 85 percent of respondents said they would get involved in the fight against corruption, while 77 percent said they believed ordinary people can make a difference in the fight against corruption.
“The United States is working with ministries, local government bodies, and others to strengthen systems to increase transparency. We applaud the commitment the Government of Ghana has made to fighting corruption,” said Ambassador Jackson at the launch.
He said ordinary citizens were the best defense against corruption.
“I have seen firsthand the power of committed citizens to hold those in power accountable,” he said.
“I believe success begets success, and as more citizens realize they can successfully prevent corruption, waste, and fraud, more and more people will refuse to tolerate it.”
Combating corruption is a top priority for the U. S. government.
Through USAID, the U. S. government works with civil society organizations and communities to increase their capacity to advocate against and report corruption.
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