Anti-corruption training workshop
The Ghana Integrity Initiative in collaboration with Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition organized a Sensitization Workshop on Mandate of Anti-Corruption Institutions in Ghana which was sponsored by USAID on 13th October, 2015 at Humility Lodge, Agona Swedru. It included personnel from all government sectors and Non- governmental Organizations which Young and Lonely Foundation (YLF) was present. This workshop was to Contribute to Efforts to Reduce Corruption in Ghana.
The workshop commenced with an opening prayer followed by welcome address and introduction which was led by Mrs. Beauty Nartey. After there was a brief remarks by the Agona West Municipal Chief Executive on anti-corruption and support of anti-corruption initiatives at the local.
Mrs. Beauty Nartey took us through Manifestations of corruption in Ghanaian Society, the Accountable Democratic Institution and Systems Strengthening Project (ADISS) project and Corruption Reporting Tools (ALAC and I paid a bribe). We were enlightened on what contributes to bribery in the country. She ensured the gathering that; lot of measures is being put in place to change the current corrupt state of the country. Parents were encouraged to lead a decent life free from corruption as well as teachers so they can inculcate anti-corruption knowledge to their students and thereby building anti-corrupted leaders of the country in the future. After her presentation, there was a platform which allowed questions and contributions. Mr. Gilbert Kofi Germain, Director of Young and Lonely Foundation (YLF) added that, the root of corruption is from our homes. Children or people allow themselves to be maltreated due to what they grew up to meet in their homes and therefore thinks being cheated is a normal thing and has no moral effect on their lives due to what goes on in their varies homes and family.
Kwesi Boateng Assumeng took us through Mandate of Key State Accountability Institutions and National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP). He invited the heads of some government departments to educate us on their mandates. Examples are; NCCE, Audit Service, CHRAJ, Police etc. After this education, Kwesi Boateng Assumeng gave a brief history on NACAP. He said, NACAP was to build public capacity to condemn and fight corruption and make its practice a high-risk, low gain activity. It also aims at institutionalize efficiency, accountability and transparency in the public, private and not-for profit sectors.
In conclusion, comments were received from the gathering on what they think can help in a better change, Mr. Germain said:
- There should be a course or subject in the secondary school sector on anti-corruption to help plant the spirit of anti-corruption in the youth and our future leaders.
- Parents should educate their wards in anti-corrupted manner and must also lead a life free of anti-corruption.
- Government should put measures in place that can punish anyone seen in such an act.
After, we elected an Anti-Corruption Champion to seek to the implementation of our set goals to eliminate corruption in the country.
LANET MEETING
The meeting continued with all members of Local Accountability Network (LANet) in Agona West Municipal Assembly in Humility Lodge, Agona Swedru to educate its members on how to fight out corruption completely. The meeting began with a group exercise seeking the views of members on what corruption is in their own view with examples. There were different answers and contributions depending on one’s understanding.
After, Kwesi Boateng Assumeng took us through the Whistle blower’s Act, 2006 (Act 720). According to him, this law gives the chance to every Ghanaian who sees that there is a wrong going on or corruption taking place to report to any law enforcement body or agency either in writing or verbal. Some of the agencies that can receive complaint under this Act are; Commission for Human Right and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Serious Fraud Office nor Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), Auditor General, District and Municipal Chief Executives etc. He said in this act, the security of the whistleblower is protected.
To involve the media effectively in this, one must prepare, build and maintain the relationship with the media by regularly updating his or her media contact.
