Mapping Corruption Hotspots in Ghana’s Criminal Justice System and Processes

‘Corruption’ may be defined as the use or misuse of entrusted power for private, institutional or third-party gain. It is a serious global problem, particularly in developing countries. Corruption becomes more dangerous when criminal justice institutions and officials, who are usually the last resort to address conflicts and grievances, are affected by corruption. Unfortunately, research shows that criminal justice systems are often perceived as among the most corrupt public institutions in the world. One of the ways to help address corruption in criminal justice systems and institutions is to map out areas, procedures and processes that are prone to corruption – corruption hotspots. This paper maps out corruption hotspots in Ghana’s criminal justice system. It does this by examining the institutions, processes and procedures that members of the public navigate when accessing justice services in Ghana. The analysis reveals that entry points to the criminal justice system and/or institutions, particularly those that are complex and difficult for the public to understand, are significant hotspots for corruption. This paper also discusses the implications of these findings for corruption prevention in Ghana and beyond.