Faustina Djabatey, the Communications Officer of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), has urged the government to reinforce commitments towards implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) to curtail corrupt practices.
She asked for enforcement of other key anti-corruption conventions including the African Union Convention Against Corruption (AU CAC) and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) to put in place sufficient measures to curb the alarming rate of the canker.
“The government must also put in place sufficient measures to ensure enforcement of asset declaration and verification, check on illicit enrichment and pass the Conduct of Public Officer’s Bill,” Mrs Djabatey stressed.
She made the call after a float in Takoradi in the Western Region to observe the 2019 International Anti-Corruption Day with support and assistance from the Open Society of West Africa which offered an opportunity for participants to reflect on the cost and impact of corruption on growth and development and educated, sensitised and created awareness on dangers of corrupt practices.
It was on the theme: ‘United against corruption’ which sought to challenge the citizenry to unite and say no to corrupt acts.
“Corruption continues to be a challenge that has permeated every sector of global economies with its devastating effects, the practice is undermining sustainable growth and development which smacks an affront on human rights, policymakers and stakeholders in all spheres of endeavour must avoid acts of corruption.
“Programmes and Interventions should jealously be guarded against acts of corruption mechanisms to punish perpetrators when caught, mobilising and empowering the youth is also key to ensuring sustainable solutions to combating corruption, strengthening accountability, transparency, probity and developing innovative solutions to prevent and curb corruption.
“We have embarked on outreach to admonish students against corrupt practices, engaging the youth in discussions on ethical behaviour, ways of fighting corruption, encouraging them to demand their rights, desist from corrupt practices, report officials who demand facilitation fees to fast track services.
“The citizenry must keep close eye on the government programmes, activities as proven method to keep on right track, encourage to put to practice Right to Information Act by demanding information to hold duty bearers accountable and transparent,” Mrs Djabatey stressed. -myjoyonline.com
