The Ghana anti corruption coalition and its partners the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) have charged government to pass all legislations meant to help civil society groups to fight corruption.
The two bodies in collaboration with the police service and the commission for human rights and administrative justice on Saturday held a walk against corruption through some principal streets of the Ashanti regional capital Kumasi.
It formed part of activities to mark this year’s United Nations anti corruption day which is commemorated annually on the 9th of December.
The United Nations anti corruption day was first observed on the9th of December 2006 when the UN Convention against corruption was officially accented.
The day is COMMEMORATED to galvanize a joint action from citizens and duty bearers to stand against acts of corruption.
According to UN conventions, corruption is a serious crime that can undermine social and economic development in all societies.
Whether it is political, social or economic; corruption threatens and undermines the democratic institutions, contributes the governmental instability and slows down the economic development of nations.
The Ghana Anti Corruption Coalition and its partners, the Open Society Initiative for West Africa chose to mark the day by hitting the streets with placards to communicate the debilitating effects of corruption on Ghana.
The walk which begun at the Jubilee Park at Fante New Town ended at the premises of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
Reading the action document, communications assistant with the Ghana Anti Corruption coalition Faustina Djabatey charged government to strictly implement the National Anti Corruption Action Plan (NACAB) and push for the speedy passage of critical bills that will empower Civil Society Organisations and the ordinary citizens to demand accountability from duty bearers.
She insisted, “We call on government to ensure the following. The passage of a credible and robust right to information law to ensure that citizens can access public information particularly information on budgets,contracts, foreign agreements and treaties as well as procurement to deepen transparency and accountability.”
“We want the timely passage of key anti corruption bills particularly conduct of public officers bill, whistle blowers amendment bill,companies amendment act and urgent presidential accent to the witness protection bill passed by parliament on the 26th of June 2018.”
“Effective implementation of the National Anti Corruption Action Plan as well as other key anti corruption conventions such as the African union convention against corruption and United Nations convention against corruption,” she added.
Some civil society partners who joined the walk blamed successive governments for shielding public officers whenever allegations of corruption are levelled against them.
They warned that until governments show commitment to investigating corruption and punishing their own appointees; the canker will fester much to the disadvantage of the ordinary Ghanaian.
Executive Director for the Alliance for Better Advocacy and Knowledge (ABAK) Philip Duah was livid, “We want to see more action. We want to see the president sacking some of his ministers and those he has given positions if there are issues of corruption. We want proper investigation into all forms of corruption.”
“I am coming from Konongo where a road was constructed and within one week the road has developed potholes. Isn’t this corruption?” he quizzed
Some young entrepreneurs who took part in the exercise also laid a demand on government to help sanitize the processes of securing documentation,permits and licensing which has become froth with corruption.
They pointed out that corruption in the business environment discourages young entrepreneurs from launching out.
Founder of Kente Master Peter Paul told reporter Ivan Heathcote –Fumador, “Effective implementation of the National Anti Corruption Action Plan as well as other key anti corruption conventions such as the African union convention against corruption and United Nations convention against corruption,” she added.”
This year’s theme for the commemoration of the UN Anti Corruption day is united against corruption for peace and security.
By:Ghana/Ultimatefmonline.com/106.9FM/Ivan Heathcote – Fumador
The post GACC; OSIWA charges Gov’t to Show Commitment to passing anti –corruption laws appeared first on Ultimate FM.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS