The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame has stated that, there is the need to punish corruption and other forms of economic crimes through a fair, honest and efficient justice system.
The efficiency of a nation’s justice system he stressed, 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.
Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame made this statement when speaking as a Guest of Honour on behalf of the President at the 14th Commonwealth Regional Conference and Annual General Meeting of Heads of Anti-corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa under the theme “Strengthening Institutions and Promoting Transparency; A means of Fighting Corruption in Commonwealth Africa.” .
The conference brings together representatives of twenty four (24) Anti-Corruption Institutions in their shared quest to combat corruption.
Criminals he mentioned, exploit differences between countries to further their objectives, enrich their organisations, expand their power, and avoid detection or apprehension. “The need for states to cooperate in combating the threat of economic crimes is, therefore, more than imperative. When those who have been entrusted with authority to ensure that right procedures are followed so that the trust and confidence of the people are not abused”.
Mr. Godfred Dame revealed that, a digitised environment helps to eliminate and prevent corruption in various institutions and agencies. “Important institutions of state like the Passport Office, Ports and Harbours, Office of the Registrar of Companies, National Health Insurance Service and the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority, which hitherto were fertile grounds for corrupt activity, have been remarkably transformed. The introduction of the Ghana.Gov platform, making it possible for Services to be accessed and payment made online by card without the conduit of middlemen, has significantly reduced the risk of public sector corruption through embezzlement”.
The fight against corruption he stated, also requires honesty and integrity in the disclosure of results cautioning that, there must be the avoidance of sensationalism by all involved — investigative bodies, civil society, and the public.
He said 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 saying, investigative bodies should be honest and bold enough to disclose to the public the full results of investigations into allegations of corruption against members of government which turn 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”.
Corruption he hinted, sometimes involves existence of situations taken advantage of by persons entrusted with public power to inflict severe financial hardships on the State adding that, in order to curb the inimical tendency on the part of public officers to enter into contracts with high rates of interest especially compound interest which result in huge judgment debt and financial loss to the State, the Office of Attorney General in July, 2023 successfully sponsored an amendment to the Contracts Act, 1960 (Act 25) to prohibit the payment of compound interest by the State in transactions entered into on her behalf by public officers. “The law, the Contracts (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act 1114), prohibits public officers from entering into a contract on behalf of the State in which the rate of interest is stipulated as compound interest”.
On her part, the Executive Director of EOCO, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo Danquah, tasked participants to engage in constructive dialogue, share experiences, and forge meaningful partnerships to strengthen their capacity to combat corruption effectively.
She urged each and everyone to actively particieate in the discussions, listen with open mind, and contribute their perspectives and knowledge towards a common goal to leverage the collective wisdom and experiences of the esteemed assembly to chart a course towards a future free from the shackles of corruption.
COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa charged participants to remain steadfast in their commitment to uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and justice and work tirelessly to restore public trust in their Institutions and build a brighter, more prosperous future for the citizens.
“May our deliberations be rewarding, our bonds strengthened, and our resolve fortified in the pursuit ofa corruption-free Commonwealth Africa. Let us embark on this crucial journey together”.
