Anti-Corruption Mandate
CHRAJ also serves as an Anti-Corruption Agency. Its anti-corruption powers stem from Articles 218(a) & (e); 284-288 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 7 (1) (a), (e) & (f) of Act 456. The Commission both investigates and works to prevent corruption.
The Commission is mandated to investigate abuse of power and “all instances of alleged or suspected corruption and the misappropriation of public monies by officials” [Article 218 (e)]. The Commission investigates allegations of Conflict of Interest under Chapter 24 of the 1992 Constitution.
As an Anti-Corruption Agency, the Commission:
- Investigates allegations of corruption and conflict of interest, abuse of power/office, and misuse of public monies in the public service;
- Investigates disclosures of impropriety under the Whistleblowers Act and complaints of victimization of whistleblowers in both the public and private sectors;
- Provides free advice and services on corruption prevention in Ghana;
- Works to reduce opportunities for corruption in corruption-prone sectors by assisting to implement corruption prevention measures and putting in place robust systems for checking corruption.
- Sensitizes the general public about corruption and enlist public support to fight corruption at all levels of society.
POWERS OF THE COMMISSION
The Commission has power to:
- Require an institution or person to submit information, documents, records or other materials that will assist in the Commission’s investigations.
- Require any institution or person to appear before the Commission to assist in its investigations.
- Go to court to seek remedies, including compliance with its recommendations.
Matters outside the Commission’s Mandate
The Commission does not have power to investigate:
- A matter pending in a court or judiciary tribunal.
- A matter between the Government of Ghana and another Government or International Organization.
- A matter where the President exercises his or her prerogative of mercy (such as the grant of a pardon to a convict).
