“Conflicts of interest in public office, and how to regulate them, are issues all countries face. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of Ghana’s current system for managing conflicts of interest. First, the legal framework, together with the mandate, independence and enforcement capacities of institutions charged with addressing conflicts of interest, are examined. Next, drawing on evidence, a case study approach is adopted to explore how oversight institutions have addressed issues of conflicts of interest with respect to senior public officers. Finally, reform proposals are put forward. The paper argues that Ghana’s existing system for regulating conflicts of interest has been ineffective and done little to stem the perception of corruption. The paper concludes that real political commitment is needed to introduce a clear and effective framework for the management of conflicts of interest in public office.”
