The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame has stated that the fight against corruption also requires honesty and integrity in the disclosure of results.
“Investigative bodies must be honest and bold enough to disclose to the public the full results of investigations into allegations of corruption against members of the government which turned out to be untrue. This is one sure way to boost the confidence of the public in their government and will reduce the suspicions, distrust and cynicism with which the public views office holders”, he said.
The A.G made this call at the opening of the 14th Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa in Accra Ghana, yesterday.
Organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the Government of Ghana, the conference will bring together members of the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa, senior government officials, relevant international organisations, civil society, policymakers, and development partners. The aim is to address key priorities for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, share knowledge and good practices, discuss the impacts of corruption on sustainable development in Africa, and explore innovative approaches in the fight against corruption.
The four-day event is expected to attract over 120 delegates from 6th -10th May 2024 under the theme, “Strengthening Institutions and Promoting Transparency: A means of fighting Corruption in Commonwealth Africa”.
He emphasized that there must be the avoidance of sensationalism by all involved – investigative bodies, civil society, and the public.
“It augurs well for the fight if the results of corruption allegations against public officers, particularly senior members of government, which are investigated and refuted or unsubstantiated, are fully put out by investigative bodies”, he said.
Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame continued that, this forum has brought under one roof those at the helm of the prevention and reduction of corruption in African countries part of the Commonwealth – those charged with curbing abuse to the financial system, and whose voices and actions matter, in the establishment of values that prevent and mitigate the consequences of economic crime and misconduct.
He noted that the effects of corruption are felt not only nationally but globally hence resulting in a plunder of national resources, corruption causing injustice in society through the handing of advantage to some, at the expense of others and stunting the development of the nation.
“It is perpetrated by all – government officials, businesses, civil society, the media, public servants, religious organisations and the so-called ordinary man and the deployment of sophisticated schemes to circumvent procedures and facilitate the commission of crime and other kinds of improper conduct contribute to the perpetuation of corruption in societies”, he stated.
Additionally, he said, that criminals exploit differences between countries to further their objectives, enrich their organisations, expand their power, and avoid detection or apprehension hence the need for states to cooperate in combating the threat of economic crimes is, therefore, more than imperative.
In concluding he said, that to tackle corruption, Ghana had boosted the whistleblower regime, by promoting an amendment in 2023, to the Whistleblower Act 2006(Act 720) to ensure that 30 per cent of all revenues accrued from cases conducted on the strength of a whistleblower’s activities was paid into the fund and 10 per cent of income directly generated by the whistleblower’s effort was paid to the whistleblower.
“We need to punish corruption and other forms of economic crime through a fair, honest and efficient justice system and the efficiency of a nation’s justice system is tested particularly by the speed and efficiency with which cases seeking to hold high-profile members of society to account as well as top financial crimes, are conducted”.
The Executive Director of EOCO, Commissioner of Police (COP), Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, in delivering her welcome address noted that corruption undermines the fabric of our societies, corrodes public confidence in our institutions and suppresses economic development.
She urged the delegates to remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding the values of integrity, accountability and justice.
COP Addo-Danquah said, “The exchange of ideas and best practices will be invaluable as we seek to identify innovative strategies and solutions to the complex and evolving nature of corruption in our respective countries.”
Dr Roger Koranteng, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Head of Public Sector Governance, said, “This annual gathering of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa provides a vital opportunity for collaboration and mutual support within the Commonwealth. Tackling corruption reduces poverty, enhances economic stability and growth, and improves standards of living.
He noted that, this year’s theme “Strengthening Institutions and Promoting Transparency,” is a timely and important topic. Transparency is crucial for accountability, which ultimately lays the foundation for corruption-free institutions and systems. By sharing successful practices, and understanding what hasn’t worked, we can collectively work towards practical and effective action.”
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said, “The global cost of corruption exceeds $3.5 trillion each year. In developing countries, funds lost to corruption are around 10 times the amount of official development assistance. Africa loses more than $50 billion a year to illicit financial flows. Indeed, over the past 50 years, Africa’s loss to corruption has exceeded the total of all the official development assistance received during the same period.
What we lose to corruption is more than enough to lift everybody out of poverty and deliver the SDGs. Tackling corruption is a priority of the highest order for the Commonwealth Secretariat because we are serious about implementing the SDGs.”