Ghana’s CPI Scores and Ranking

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is the most widely used global measure of perceived public sector corruption. It is published annually by Transparency International (TI) and is based on a combination of expert assessments and surveys of business leaders. The CPI reflects how corruption is viewed in key areas such as bribery, misuse of public office, diversion of public funds, political influence over decision-making, and the effectiveness of accountability systems.

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Ghana has been included in the CPI since its inception in 1995, providing nearly three decades of data on how corruption in the country’s public sector is perceived. Early improvements in Ghana’s performance were associated with democratic consolidation, stronger media presence, and governance reforms. These gains positioned Ghana among the better-performing countries in West Africa at the time. However, this progress has not been sustained. In the years that followed, Ghana’s scores have reflected an unimpressive pattern of stagnation.
 

This pattern is not unique to Ghana. The 2025 findings by Transparency International indicate a broader global concern. The CEO of Transparency International, Maira Martini, said, “We’re seeing a concerning picture of long-term decline in leadership to tackle corruption… The absence of bold leadership is leading to weaker standards and enforcement.”

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This trend is affecting both developing and established democracies. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the challenge is particularly pronounced. The region continues to record the lowest average scores globally, with an average of 32 out of 100 scores, and only a small number of countries scoring above 50, underscoring the limited impact of current anti-corruption efforts.

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Transparency International has further noted that corruption in the management of public funds reflects a lack of political integrity among leaders, restricts access to essential public services, and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations. At the same time, growing restrictions on civic space across many countries are making it more difficult for citizens, journalists, and civil society organisations to expose wrongdoing, thereby weakening transparency and accountability.

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Commenting on Ghana’s performance in the 2025 CPI, Transparency International Ghana said, “The score indicates that Ghana continues to struggle with persistent corruption, weak compliance with and enforcement of the legal and policy framework, and weak state institutions dedicated to combating corruption.”

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The CPI serves as an indicator of confidence in public institutions rather than a direct measure of corruption incidents. It captures how informed observers judge the integrity and functioning of governance systems, making it a useful tool for tracking long-term trends and comparing performance across countries.

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It is also important to note a change in the CPI’s scoring system. From 1995 to 2011, scores were reported on a scale of 0 to 10. Since 2012, the index has used a 0 to 100 scale.

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The table below presents Ghana’s CPI scores and global rankings from 1995 to the present. It offers a clear record of how perceptions of public sector corruption have evolved over time and provides a basis for understanding both progresses made and the challenges that remain.