BRIBERY – EDUCATED GHANAIANS WORSE CULPRITS, SAVANAH REGION LESS CORRUPT REGION

BRIBERY – EDUCATED GHANAIANS WORSE CULPRITS, SAVANAH REGION LESS CORRUPT REGION – GSS

One in six Ghanaians who interacted with public officials in 2024 paid bribes to access services, according to a newly launched report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). The findings indicate that 18.4 per cent of individuals engaging public officials admitted to paying bribes, with the majority of such payments made in cash.

The study surveyed 7,248 respondents across all 16 regions of Ghana. Of those surveyed, 55.7 per cent reported at least one contact with a public official between January and December 2024.
Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, who launched the report, described the findings as a “call to action” and urged policy-makers to respond with data-driven strategies.
The report said Men accounted for a staggering 77.4 per cent of bribe-payers, compared to 22.6 per cent for women and urban residents were also more likely to pay bribes, with 61.9 per cent of incidents occurring in towns and cities, while rural areas accounted for 38.1 per cent.

According to the Government Statistician, age was also a determining factor, with the highest bribe payments recorded among persons aged 35 to 49 years. Education level played a role as well, with individuals possessing tertiary or junior high school qualifications among the most likely to pay bribes.
Among persons with disabilities, around 21 per cent reported paying bribes. The rate was significantly higher among those with physical impairments (40.1 per cent) and visual impairments (32.5 per cent).
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egionally, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu said the Greater Accra region led in reported bribery cases (22 per cent), followed by the Ashanti Region (18.1 per cent). The Savannah and North East Regions reported the lowest incidence, at 1.0 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively.
Notably, 74.9 per cent of bribes were directly solicited by public officials, either personally or through intermediaries. Meanwhile, 17.3 per cent of respondents indicated that they gave bribes voluntarily to expedite processes or express gratitude. Yet only 14.5 per cent of incidents were formally reported, with reporting rates higher among urban dwellers.