Collective action needed to win corruption fight; NPP, NDC promises fall short – CSOs

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and OccupyGhana have issued a joint statement criticizing the anti-corruption measures proposed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The CSOs are concerned about the promises made in the manifestos of both political parties regarding their strategies to combat public sector corruption in the upcoming December 7 polls.

The CSOs highlighted that the delays in passing the Conduct of Public Officers Bill—a crucial tool in the fight against corruption—are primarily due to the lack of commitment from both the government and Parliament.

They noted that this same lack of urgency is reflected in the manifestos of the NPP and NDC.

As a result, the CSOs urged the people of Ghana to take decisive action in the fight against corruption, as the political parties have demonstrated a lack of genuine interest in addressing the issue.

“The 2020 NPP Manifesto promised the publication and enforcement of the 2018 CoPO Bill to give effect to Article 24 of the Constitution, whereas the NDC promised the enactment of conflict of interest legislation for all Government officials including the executive and the legislation.

“However, in the recently launched Manifesto, NPP is rather promising the enactment of a Corruption Act to consolidate existing corruption and corruption-related offences.

“NDC also promises an implementation of a code of conduct for public officers instead of legislation. We are concerned that this deliberate dithering will remain until the people of Ghana take a firm interest in the Bill. As Dr Bawumia said in 2019, the CoPO is “one law that can help build integrity in the Public Service, and we cannot afford to delay it any further.”

“Undoubtedly, the enactment of the CoPO Bill will set the tone for an efficient and well functioning Public Sector to “maximise the rate of economic development and to secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every person in Ghana…” as stipulated in Article 36(1) of the Constitution.”

By: Kabah Atawoge