Empirical evidence of the gender dimensions of bribery in Ghana

Abstract

Bribery significantly impedes a country’s development and governance, emphasising the critical importance of researching its drivers and dynamics to formulate effective policies. Of particular concern is the gender dimension of bribery, given its adverse impact on gender equality, coupled with the recognition that women’s empowerment contributes to combating corruption. This paper offers innovative insights into the gender dimension of bribery in Ghana, utilising data from the comprehensive 2021 Ghana Integrity of Public Services Survey. The findings, even after controlling for other influential variables, reveal that: (1) men are 27 percent more likely to pay bribes than women, (2) male officials are more likely to solicit bribes than their female counterparts, and (3) women are 2.3 times more likely to encounter requests for sexual favours than men. These findings significantly enhance the previously mainly correlation-based evidence, underscoring the gender dimensions of bribery. The study concludes by advocating for further research into officials’ perspectives on why they request bribes and calls for heightened policy attention to address the gender dimension of bribery, particularly in instances involving requests for sexual favours.