This study investigates how political control over bureaucrats affects corruption levels.

Methodology: Data from an original survey of 864 Ghanaian bureaucrats across 80 randomly sampled local governments shows a clear relationship between discretionary power and corrupt behavior. Qualitative data and a list experiment were used to demonstrate the mechanism.

Key Findings: Bureaucrats are more likely to facilitate corruption when politicians have greater discretionary control over them. The mechanism involves threatening noncompliant officers with transfers.

Implications: These findings challenge conventional views on oversight improving governance, especially in developing countries where institutional constraints may be limited for election funding.