Public Scrutiny and Moral Governance: The Power of Moral Values in Shaping Political Accountability in Ghana.

Abstract:

This study examines how Ghanaian religious and moral values function as a de facto “court of public opinion,” influencing public perceptions of political accountability. Motivated by the 2023 Cecilia Abena Dapaah scandal, where public outrage over alleged misuse of public resources contributed to her resignation and legal investigation, the study explores how citizens invoke ethical and religious norms to demand accountability from public office holders. Drawing on Moral Community Theory, Habermas’ public sphere, and Social Accountability Theory, the analysis highlights how communal moral values, public deliberation, and citizen-driven oversight collectively shape leaders’ behavior. Findings reveal that while moral claims can pressure leaders, their effectiveness is contingent upon institutional mechanisms capable of enforcing accountability. The study underscores the importance of integrating moral norms with formal governance structures, civic education, and platforms for deliberation, suggesting that the interplay between moral authority and institutional oversight offers a culturally grounded pathway to ethical governance and strengthened public trust in Ghana.