Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh has criticized Ghana’s antiquated legal system for its inadequacy in fighting modern corruption. He emphasized the urgent need for reforms during the 5th Constitution Day Public Lecture, noting that existing laws do not sufficiently address the evolving nature of corruption. Prempeh advocates for legal innovation to ensure that Ghana’s legal framework remains relevant.
Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, has criticized Ghana’s legal framework for being outdated and ineffective in combating modern corruption. During the 5th Constitution Day Public Lecture, he participated in discussions led by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng under the theme “A Few Good Men: Suppressing and Repressing Corruption and State Capture in Aid of Development.”
While acknowledging that the current constitution offers some tools for addressing corruption, Professor Prempeh argued that the legal institutions and doctrines in Ghana are antiquated. He emphasized the necessity for legal reforms to enhance anti-corruption measures, noting the importance of adapting to corruption’s evolving nature.
“There are some tools in the constitution even as we find it today. The constitution is not perfect, but it does have something in there that can be the basis of a credible fight against corruption,” he stated. Despite this, he believes that decades-old laws are insufficient to confront contemporary issues effectively, calling for legal innovation.
Professor Prempeh highlighted that, unlike developed nations that periodically update anti-corruption laws, Ghana relies on legislation established as far back as 1962. He remarked, “I think our legal institutions, including our legal doctrines, are way too archaic for the time. We must embrace a lot of legal innovation because corruption mutates day by day.”
His comments underscore the critical need for legislative updates to align Ghana’s legal system with the dynamic challenges posed by corruption and governance in today’s society.
In summary, Professor Kwasi Prempeh has articulated significant concerns regarding Ghana’s outdated legal framework in combating corruption. He calls for urgent legal reforms and innovation to ensure that the nation’s laws evolve alongside the complexities of corruption. This is crucial for strengthening anti-corruption efforts and making the legal system fit for contemporary challenges.
Original Source: citinewsroom.com
