Ghana, known for its vibrant democracy and political stability in Africa, has also seen its fair share of political scandals. These scandals have often shaken public confidence and led to widespread debates. Here’s a look at the top 10 most shocking political scandals in Ghana’s history.
1. The GYEEDA Scandal
The Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA) scandal in 2013 exposed massive corruption and mismanagement within a government initiative meant to address youth unemployment. An audit revealed that millions of cedis were misappropriated, leading to the resignation of key officials and public outrage. The scandal highlighted the vulnerabilities in government oversight and the misuse of public funds.
2. The Woyome Judgment Debt Scandal
In 2010, businessman Alfred Woyome was awarded a judgment debt of GHC 51.2 million by the government for alleged services rendered during the organization of the CAN 2008 football tournament. However, it was later revealed that Woyome had no valid contract with the government, leading to a Supreme Court ruling in 2014 ordering him to refund the money. The case became a symbol of the flaws in Ghana’s financial governance.
3. The Anas “Number 12” Exposé
Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ “Number 12” documentary in 2018 exposed widespread corruption in Ghanaian football. The undercover investigation revealed several officials, including the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, accepting bribes. The scandal led to the dissolution of the GFA and a major shakeup in Ghana’s football administration.
4. The Mabey and Johnson Scandal
This 2009 scandal involved the British construction firm Mabey and Johnson, which admitted to paying bribes to Ghanaian officials between 1994 and 1999 to secure contracts. The implicated officials included high-ranking ministers from both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The scandal raised serious concerns about the integrity of Ghana’s public procurement processes.
5. The Agyapa Royalties Deal Controversy
In 2020, the Agyapa Royalties deal became a major political issue in Ghana. The deal, which aimed to monetize the country’s gold royalties, was criticized for lack of transparency and potential conflicts of interest. The Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, resigned, citing interference in his investigation into the deal. The controversy remains a significant point of debate regarding the management of Ghana’s natural resources.
6. The Cash-for-Seat Saga
In 2017, the Cash-for-Seat scandal emerged when it was alleged that the Ministry of Trade and Industry had charged expatriates up to $100,000 to sit next to President Nana Akufo-Addo at an awards dinner. The parliamentary inquiry into the matter found procedural lapses but cleared the ministry of wrongdoing. However, the incident sparked public outrage over the perceived commodification of access to political power.
7. The Bus Branding Scandal
In 2015, a contract awarded for branding Metro Mass Transit buses with pictures of Ghanaian presidents sparked controversy when it was revealed that the project cost GHC 3.6 million. The political scandal, often dubbed “Smarttys Scandal” after the company that executed the project, led to the resignation of the then Transport Minister, Dzifa Attivor, and raised questions about procurement practices and value for money in government contracts.
8. The ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme
In 2003, it was uncovered that millions of cedis had been misappropriated from the ECOWAS Brown Card insurance scheme, which was meant to provide motor insurance cover for vehicles traveling across West African countries. The political scandal implicated several high-ranking officials and brought to light the extent of corruption in government agencies.
9. The National Service Scheme (NSS) Ghost Names Scandal
In 2014, it was revealed that over 22,000 ghost names were on the payroll of the National Service Scheme, leading to the siphoning of millions of cedis. The scandal resulted in the prosecution of several NSS officials and intensified public scrutiny of government payroll systems. This scandal underscored the need for reform in Ghana’s public service payroll management.
10. The Ameri Power Deal Controversy
In 2015, the government of Ghana signed a $510 million contract with Ameri Group to provide emergency power generation. However, it was later discovered that the deal had been inflated by $150 million, sparking widespread criticism and calls for a renegotiation of the contract. The political scandal highlighted the challenges of emergency procurement and the need for greater transparency in government contracts.
Conclusion
These scandals have had a profound impact on Ghanaian society, shaping public discourse and influencing political developments. While some led to reforms and greater accountability, others exposed the deep-rooted challenges in the country’s political and administrative systems.
As Ghana continues to strengthen its democracy, the lessons from these scandals remain crucial in the ongoing fight against corruption and mismanagement.
