Ghana government urged to commit resources to fight corruption
Mr Richard Quayson, Deputy Commissioner of the Commission for Human Right and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has urged government to play the leading role in the adoption and implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) to fight against corruption in the country.
He said the Government must ensure that appropriate legal framework as well as checks and balances were established to curb corruption.
Speaking at an Anti-Corruption Conference in Accra at the weekend under the theme: “Strengthening Public, Private and Civil Society Partnership in the fight against Corruption”, said government must ensure that anti-corruption agencies receive the necessary resources, capacity and independence to fulfill their mandates.
The National Anti-Corruption Day is set aside to raise awareness on corruption and strategise towards eradicating it in the society.
Reports reviewed by CHRAJ indicated that, corruption is rife in Ghana, and may be perpetrated in any institution activities within the NACAP are implemented.
Mr Quayeson said the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor was welcoming news since it would strengthen investigations and prosecution of corruption cases in the country.
He, however, called on the government to adequately resource and strengthen CHRAJ to enable it provide effective support to the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, Civil Society Organisations, Faith Based Organisations and media organisations for the implementation of NACAP.
He explained: “If indeed, we can win the war against corruption, the Executive Arm of Government will have to step into its critical role and provide the needed leadership”.
In a speech read on his behalf of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said corruption undermined the Code of Conduct for institution and resulted in loss of legitimacy and respect for authorities.
He said corruption was a serious problem in the world, however, there is the need to fight it with determination.
Dr Bawumia commended CHRAJ and its partners for creating awareness on corruption and called on the public to support the worthy cause.
Source: GNA