By Sarah Baafi
The Office of the Attorney General has underscored the critical role of a free and vibrant media in Ghana’s fight against corruption, emphasising the need for stronger collaboration between investigative journalists, anti-corruption institutions, and the judiciary to ensure accountability and public trust.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, at a national forum on “Media and the fight against corruption in Ghana” held at Palms by Eagle Hotel in Airport, Accra, Solicitor General Mrs Helen Akpene Awo Ziwu highlighted both the progress made and the persistent challenges in tackling corruption.
Mrs Awo Ziwu commended the Media Foundation for West Africa and its partners for organising what she described as a timely discussion on an issue central to Ghana’s democratic governance and national development.
She noted that since the repeal of the criminal libel law in 2001, the media has evolved into a “powerful instrument for accountability, transparency, and public engagement,” citing investigative journalism’s role in exposing corruption and shaping national discourse.
However, she stressed that exposing wrongdoing is only part of the process.
“The fight against corruption cannot end at exposure. It must result in credible investigation, successful prosecution, and meaningful sanctions,” she said.
According to Mrs Awo Ziwu, the gap between media exposés and judicial outcomes remains a major challenge, often due to evidentiary standards, legal constraints, and institutional limitations.
She reaffirmed the Attorney General’s commitment to strengthening prosecutorial capacity and enhancing collaboration with key investigative bodies, including the Office of the Special Prosecutor, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, and the Ghana Police Service.
She also emphasised the need to integrate credible media findings into legal processes while ensuring due process and fairness.
Addressing the risks faced by journalists, including intimidation and legal harassment, Mrs Awo Ziwu called for stronger protections for media practitioners and whistleblowers.
“A democratic society cannot thrive where those who expose wrongdoing live in fear,” she said.
The forum brought together government institutions, anti-corruption agencies, civil society, academia, and development partners to explore ways to strengthen cooperation, improve information sharing, and invest in joint capacity-building initiatives.
“Ultimately, the fight against corruption is about restoring and sustaining public trust,” she added. “Citizens must be confident that allegations are taken seriously, investigations conducted impartially, prosecutions pursued diligently, and outcomes delivered justly.”
The forum is seen as a key step in deepening collaboration between the media and state institutions to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in Ghana.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com