The AG’s name-shame-prosecute strategy: Why the NPP’s best move is to openly support prosecution of its own [Opinion]

There is no doubt that corruption is multifaceted and remains one of the most intractable global problems of our time. While often perceived as a challenge peculiar to developing countries, the developed world is by no means immune to its destructive effects.

What distinguishes the two, however is not the absence of corruption in these wealthier countries but rather their societal and institutional attitude toward individuals accused of or convicted of corruption-related offenses. In mature democracies, it is rare to see family members, friends or party loyalists openly protest the
arrest or prosecution of public officials accused of graft.

Ghana like many developing countries, continue to suffer from a deeply ingrained culture of defending individuals accused of corruption, often under the guise of political loyalty. While the country bleeds from the cost of corruption, it is common to witness the very citizens harmed by it rally to the defense of those accused, sometimes obstructing justice.

Yet, this time feels different. The context surrounding the current wave of prosecutions following the 2024 elections provides a unique turning point. Beyond the economic distress triggered by the Domestic Debt Exchange Program, the widespread perceptions of corruption and the then opposition National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) promise of not only to prosecute but to recover the proceeds of corruption were decisive in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) electoral defeat.

Public confidence in the political class’s willingness to hold corrupt officials accountable may have reached a historic low at the time, but the magnitude of perceived corruption was enough to tilt the scales for many voters who, perhaps for the first time, prioritised integrity over partisan allegiance.

To honor its campaign pledge, the new administration launched Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), an aggressive anti-corruption initiative, even before officially assuming office in December 2025. Since then, a series of arrests, detentions, and prosecutions have targeted individuals suspected of corruption, including several former government appointees. As expected, sections of the NPP have reacted with indignation, viewing the campaign as politically motivated.

But notably, this time the public mood appears firmly opposed to such defensiveness. Across traditional and social media, citizens have been vocal in their demand for accountability – calling for justice rather than sympathy, and in some cases, even advocating a harsher, no-nonsense approach.

The NPP is certainly aware of this shift in public sentiment. The Attorney General’s Name–Shame–Prosecute strategy has amplified public awareness of corruption cases, leaving little room for political spin. Despite the party’s attempts to project unity and resilience, the optics have not been favorable. In an age of heightened civic awareness and real-time information flow, the strategy of defending or downplaying corruption allegations is proving counterproductive.

For a party aspiring to return to power, the path forward requires strategic recalibration. The traditional instinct to close ranks around accused members – while useful for internal cohesion – now risks alienating the broader electorate and entrenching perceptions of impunity during their time in government. Conversely, taking an open stance in support of due process and accountability, even when it implicates party members, could redefine the NPP’s public image as a responsible, reform-minded political organization aiming to correct past mistakes.

Indeed, embracing transparency and cooperating with lawful prosecutions would not only serve the national interest but could also yield long-term political dividends. It would signal to Ghanaians that the party prioritizes the country over individual or partisan interests – a message that resonates deeply in a political environment increasingly shaped by public demand for integrity and accountability

Ghana’s economic recovery and democratic consolidation depend on restoring trust in public institutions. Corruption erodes that trust, diverts scarce resources, and undermines development.

For this reason, the fight against corruption cannot and should not be the preserve of any one government or political party. It must be a collective national commitment.

If the NPP – Ghana’s largest opposition party – chooses to support the Attorney General’s efforts and champion accountability within its own ranks, it would mark a new chapter in the country’s political maturity.

Such a gesture would help strengthen national resolve against corruption, save resources, and promote a culture of integrity. In the long run, that posture might prove to be the most powerful campaign message of all.

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By: Dr. Francis K. Dzikpe, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, USA