• Courts to prosecute audit offenses, illegal mining, and waste

• Move part of post-default reforms to boost financial oversight

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama announced on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, the forthcoming creation of specialized financial courts. These courts will be tasked with prosecuting offenses flagged in the Auditor-General's annual report, as well as cases related to illegal mining, locally known as "galamsey," and other environmental crimes.

The specialized tribunals will hold itinerant sessions across the country to ensure the swift and fair resolution of cases, according to a statement from the presidency. Furthermore, the Auditor-General will continue to exercise the constitutional power, under Article 187(7)(b) of the Constitution, to disallow unlawful expenditures and surcharge responsible officials.

This initiative is part of Ghana’s ongoing effort to clean up its public finances following its external debt default in 2022. On Aug. 28, the Finance Ministry announced the planned establishment of an independent Fiscal Council to restore budgetary discipline and strengthen public financial oversight.

Despite these efforts, Ghana remains below the global average on the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, with a score of 42 out of 100.

Ingrid Haffiny