Accra: Ghana has reinforced its position as a leader in the fight against corruption on the global stage, with Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin playing a pivotal role at the 11th Session of the Conference of States Parties (CoSP 11) to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in Doha, Qatar. Addressing the summit, Speaker Bagbin emphasized that corruption was a 'shared national responsibility and a constitutional concern,' highlighting Ghana's commitment to tackling the scourge through initiatives such as the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP), public procurement reforms, and digitalization of public financial management.
According to Ghana News Agency, a statement issued by Mr. David Sabastian Damoah, the Director of Media Relations of Parliament, highlighted the importance of addressing corruption at its roots by promoting ethical values, closing systemic gaps, and limiting opportunities for abuse of power. The statement quoted Mr. Bagbin as saying, "Corruption must be tackled at its roots by promoting ethical values, closing systemic gaps, and limiting opportunities for abuse of power."
The statement noted a breakthrough for Ghana with the adoption of the first-ever United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) resolution on transparency in political party financing, election campaigns, and candidatures for public office. It emphasized that Speaker Bagbin led negotiations with Norway, Albania, and Mongolia to deliver the historic resolution, which stresses citizens' right to know who funds politics.
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie highlighted progress made under NACAP but acknowledged challenges in translating national reforms into local impact, calling for evidence-based policymaking and international cooperation. Ghana's Ambassador to the UN in Vienna, Madam Matilda Alomatu Osei-Agyeman, praised the country's benefits from UNODC technical assistance and called for expanded support for developing countries.
The statement added that the summit concluded with the adoption of the Doha Declaration 2025, reaffirming global resolve to combat corruption through international cooperation, technical assistance, and responsible use of emerging technologies. It noted that Ghana's leadership at CoSP 11 positions the country at the forefront of global efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and integrity in democratic governance.