Corruption and its effects on the development of public sector management in Africa - A case study of ghana

Abstract

There is a growing perception that bribery and corruption are on the ascendant in Ghana and the rest of the African continent among the public sector. Many corrupt managers, top government officials, and public employees hide behind an institutional veil to rub states, countries, and organizations with huge sums of money for their selfish interests and personal gain. Over the years, servants in public services such as the Judiciary, the Police, Food and Drug Authority, Standards Authority, Immigration, and Customs Authority, like any other work environment in the public sector in Ghana and on the other continent, have been tagged with the reality of corruption and bribery. These corrupt practices within the public service in Ghana have really dented the reputation of many professions, including the judiciary and state security agencies. Corruption has worsened in state institutions, and this has had serious negative impacts on the development of the economy and its political dispensation. The overall aim of this research was to investigate the complex nature of corruption and its impacts on the development of public sector management in Ghana and other West African regions. The research began with a review of the literature on the complex nature of corruption and its impacts on the development of effective and efficient public management in Ghana. This was followed by case-bycase studies of two African countries (Ghana and Nigeria) linking it to their judicial administrations, police administrations, customs divisions, and food and drug authorities, among others. Primary data was also gathered from a field survey using interview questionnaires to unearth some of the challenges faced by Ghanaians in the fight against corruption. This study revealed that corruption in judicial settings, policing, the Food and Drug Authority, Immigration, and Customs Division in the countries stated in this case does not only involve giving or accepting bribes. It includes embezzlement, patronage, conflict of interest, theft, fraud, or insider dealing. This study will be of immense benefit to politicians and managers of law enforcement agencies.