Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh criticizes Ghana’s legal framework for being outdated and ineffectively combating corruption. He emphasizes the need for legal reforms, noting that existing laws are insufficient to address contemporary corruption challenges. He calls for innovation within legal institutions to adapt to the evolving nature of corruption.
Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, the chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, has criticized Ghana’s legal system for being outdated and ineffective in addressing contemporary corruption challenges. Speaking at the 5th Constitution Day Public Lecture, alongside Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, he highlighted the urgent need for legal reforms to enhance the nation’s anti-corruption efforts. Although he acknowledged that the current constitution contains some provisions to combat corruption, he emphasized that these are insufficient for the evolving nature of corruption.
Professor Prempeh argued that Ghanaian legal institutions and doctrines are archaic, rendering them ineffective in confronting modern corruption. He cited the necessity of embracing legal innovation, as laws in developed nations regularly evolve to address corruption issues. By contrast, Ghana continues to rely on outdated legislation from 1962, which he deemed unfit for purpose in the current context.
Prempeh stated, “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 further 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.”
In summary, Professor Prempeh’s remarks underscore the limitations of Ghana’s existing anti-corruption framework and the necessity for significant legal reforms to adequately tackle contemporary challenges. His observations call for a critical reevaluation of the legal structures in place to combat corruption effectively, advocating for a more adaptive and innovative approach.
Professor Prempeh advocates for urgent reforms to Ghana’s anti-corruption laws, arguing that outdated legal frameworks hinder the country’s ability to effectively address corruption. His comments highlight the importance of legal innovation and adaptability in combating the evolving nature of corruption, suggesting that Ghana must modernize its legal institutions.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
