The Government of Ghana has been asked to ensure effective implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) as well as other key anti-corruption conventions.
The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) made the call at the Upper West Regional celebration of the International Anti-Corruption Day in Wa.
Mr. Abdul-Hakim Issaka who made the call mentioned the African Union Convention Against Corruption and the United Nations Conventions Against Corruption as some other key anti-corruption conventions which the government must tag along in the effectual implementation of NACAP.
Mr. Issaka who was giving an address at the Jubilee Park after a float through some principal streets of Wa to mark the day, equally stressed the need for the passage of what he termed a credible and robust right to information (RTI) law to ensure that citizens can easily access public information to deepen transparency and accountability.
He stated that corruption continues to pose a serious threat to the development, peace and security of our country.
Mr. Issaka continued that the phenomenon exacerbates poverty, thwarts development, undermines the principle of democracy and good governance, which form the foundation of modern societies.
The GACC is strongly of the view that corruption can kill our country. It is therefore, incumbent on all of us to galvanize our collective efforts to eradicate corruption in Ghana.
Madam Janet Niworo of the Public Education Department of Upper West Regional office of the NCCE dwelt on corruption in public administration, noting that it leads to misallocation of talents and resources, thereby weakening the states ability to provide quality services.
She said NCCE as a major partner to NACAP, National Anti-Corruption Action Plan is responsible for carrying out civic education on issues of corruption.
Madam Niworo was emphatic that NCCE does not investigate or prosecute people but only educate for people to desist from the act.
The Upper West Regional Director of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) Siddique Ubeidu encouraged people to take advantage of the whistle blowers law to expose corrupt officials.
He added: If you think that your boss is involved in corrupt activity and you fear that if you report him, you will be demoted or transferred you can report and then signaled the Commission, we will come to your aid the Whistle blowers law gives the commission the mandate to protect, even the identity of people who blow whistle. he emphasized.
Story and Pictures by Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo
