Fighting Corruption in West Africa: A Comparative Assessment of Learners and Laggards

Owusu, Grace (2024) Fighting Corruption in West Africa: A Comparative Assessment of Learners and Laggards. GRADUS, 11 (1). pp. 1-10. ISSN 2064-8014

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Abstract

Corruption is a widespread issue that plagues societies across the globe. It is imperative to address this problem to safeguard human rights and promote sustainable development. By encouraging transparent and responsible governance, we can strengthen democracy and foster a culture of integrity among public officials and civil servants. Since its establishment in 1994, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) has garnered international attention for its commitment to peace efforts and anti-corruption initiatives. Over the past decade, it has become a hub of public and private sector corruption scandals, mainly due to its declining performance on the Corruption Perception Index. This paper aims to evaluate the progress of some West African nations, specifically Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Cote d'Ivoire, and Burkina Faso, in their battle against corruption. The study will compare their performance and anti-corruption policies implemented in recent years to determine which countries are progressing and which are lagging. This study employed a mixed methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The primary objective was to evaluate various countries' capacity to combat corruption. Data was sourced from the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index and the World Governance Indicator to accomplish this. The gathered information was then classified and assessed using a comparative research design and strategy. By conducting time series analysis, the study aimed to identify commonalities and variations between the countries and draw insightful conclusions. The data will be presented graphically to exhibit trends, which this report will explore further. The paper compares the efforts of different West African countries in fighting corruption. It highlights the countries making significant strides in combating corruption and the laggards falling behind in their efforts. This assessment promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance in West Africa.

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