The role of women in the fight against corruption in Ghana

ABSTRACT

This viewpoint discusses the role of women in the fight against corruption in Ghana. It argues that although there is no evidence that women in Ghana by their nature are less corrupt than men, gender parity presents an opportunity for women to be change agents in creating, nurturing, implementing, and enforcing systems, institutions, and values that sanction as well as disdain corrupt behaviour, provided that gender parity is linked with the creation of systems that limit opportunity for and sanction corruption, as well as the creation and sustenance of societal values that abhor corrupt behaviour.

KEYWORDS:

• Aid – Development policies
• Civil society – Participation
• Gender and diversity
• Governance and public policy
• Sub-Saharan Africa

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1 Section 179C, the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

2 Section 240, the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

3 The National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2012–2021).

4 Alban Bagbin has been a member of Ghana’s parliament for 28 years, and has held various key positions, including Minority Leader in parliament (2005–2009); Majority Leader in parliament (2009–2010); Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing (2010–2012); and Minister of Health (2012–2014).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Clara Kasser-Tee

Clara Tasser-Lee is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Law at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, and Head of Chambers at Kasser Law Firm, Accra, Ghana.