Professor Prempeh Critiques Ghana’s Outdated Anti-Corruption Laws

Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh has criticized Ghana’s outdated legal system for being ineffective against modern corruption. During the 5th Constitution Day Public Lecture, he emphasized the urgent need for legal reforms to enhance anti-corruption initiatives. He argued that while the current constitution contains some anti-corruption tools, it is essential to innovate legally to meet the challenges posed by evolving corrupt practices.

Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, the chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, has criticized Ghana’s outdated legal framework. He asserts that current laws are inadequate for effectively combating modern corruption. Speaking at the 5th Constitution Day Public Lecture, where Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng was the keynote speaker, Professor Prempeh highlighted the urgent need for reforms in the legal system to enhance anti-corruption efforts.

The professor indicated that Ghana’s legal institutions and principles are antiquated, which complicates the nation’s ability to address the evolving nature of corruption. While acknowledging that the existing constitution contains some provisions for tackling corruption, he stressed that fundamental legal changes are necessary.

“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,” noted Prof. Prempeh. He underscored the importance of embracing legal innovation to keep pace with the dynamic landscape of 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.” He compared Ghana’s reliance on outdated 1962 laws with practices in developed nations, where laws are regularly updated to effectively counter corruption.

In conclusion, Professor Prempeh’s remarks reveal a pressing need for reform in Ghana’s legal system to effectively combat corruption. His critique underscores the importance of modernizing legal frameworks and institutions to address the evolving challenges of corrupt practices. For Ghana to engage in a credible fight against corruption, significant legal innovations are required.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com