As Ghana navigates the complexities of its young democracy, one thing is clear: the fight against corruption requires bold action. The Akufo-Addo 2.0 era has been marred by allegations of high-level corruption, with the big thieves in high places exploiting the system for personal gain. It's time for a new approach – one that empowers whistleblowers to speak truth to power.
According to a 2024 report by the Ghana Integrity Initiative, corruption costs Ghana an estimated GH13.5 billion (approximately $2.2 billion USD) annually. This staggering figure underscores the need for a robust whistleblower protection framework. By incentivizing whistleblowers to come forward, Ghana can recover stolen public funds, bring corrupt officials to justice, and restore trust in its institutions.
The 9th Parliament must prioritize the passage of comprehensive whistleblower protection legislation. This law should offer immunity from prosecution to whistleblowers whose disclosures lead to the recovery of stolen funds. Additionally, it should provide a reward of at least 30% of the recovered amount to motivate whistleblowers to take action.
However, protection is not enough. Whistleblowers who risk everything to expose corruption often face retaliation and intimidation. The new legislation must therefore include provisions for the relocation and reintegration of whistleblowers who require new identities to ensure their safety.
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