White-Collar Crime in Ghana’s Public Sector: Nature, Challenges, and Management Strategies

White-collar crime within Ghana’s public service sector poses a significant threat to governance, economic stability, and public trust. This paper examines the prevalence, forms, and institutional responses to white-collar crime in Ghana’s public sector, analyzing high-profile cases and policy gaps. Drawing on Routine Activity and Agency theories, the paper identifies common forms of white-collar crime in Ghana, including embezzlement, procurement fraud, payroll manipulation (notably “ghost names”), and misuse of administrative discretion. High-profile cases such as the National Cathedral fund misappropriation and the exposure of over 81,000 ghost names on public payrolls underscore the severity of the issue (Interpol, 2025; Reuters, 2025). The review critically assesses the role and effectiveness of institutional responses such as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Auditor-General, and whistleblower protection legislation. Despite existing frameworks, enforcement challenges, political interference, and resource constraints continue to impede progress. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations, including enhancing institutional autonomy, investing in forensic audit capacity, expanding whistleblower protections, and promoting digital governance systems. These interventions are essential to fostering accountability, safeguarding public resources, and reinforcing ethical standards in Ghana’s public service.