The Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) has expressed disappointment that the selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the NPP’s running mate undermines efforts to combat corruption, viewing his nomination as a significant setback in the fight against graft.
ASEPA lamented that corruption has become a deeply ingrained and pervasive problem in Ghana, perpetuating a culture of impunity and undermining the nation’s progress.
The Alliance emphasized that the alarming surge in corruption, particularly among public officials, has triggered widespread concern and anxiety among citizens in recent years, eroding trust in the government and institutions.
“This year’s elections present us an opportunity to make a number of reforms in the fight against corruption by making policy holders pledge to key policy changes that will strengthen the fight against corruption”.
“Some of the reforms include the passage of the code of conduct for public officers bill, Strengthening our Asset Declaration regime and strengthening key institutions of accountability and ring-fencing them against political interference”.
Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA
Furthermore, ASEPA indicated that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s nomination poses a significant obstacle to anti-corruption reform efforts.
ASEPA contended that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s behavior during his seven-year tenure in office has consistently flouted the established code of conduct for public officials, demonstrating a disregard for ethical standards.
The Alliance, ASEPA, revealed that their independent inquiry discovered that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, during his tenure as Energy Minister, neglected to submit his Declaration of Assets and Liabilities.
ASEPA noted that this Behavior on the part of Dr. Prempeh contravened the requirements outlined in Article 286 of the Constitution.
ASEPA further alleged that it is highly likely and within reasonable suspicion that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh also failed to file his Declaration of Assets and Liabilities when he assumed the role of Minister for Education in 2017, perpetuating a pattern of non-compliance with the legal requirement.
ASEPA To Petition CHRAJ Concerning Prempeh
Consequently, ASEPA announced that it will be submitting a formal petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in the coming days.
The Alliance noted that the petition will request a thorough investigation into Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s asset declarations, seeking accountability and transparency in his financial disclosures.
“As we speak ASEPA is at the Supreme Court asking the Court to uphold the Supremacy of Article 286 relative to the Public Office Holders Declaration of Asset and Disqualification Act, Act 555”.
“Again one of the key reforms that ASEPA is seeking in the new code of conduct for public officers bill currently before Parliament is for Ministerial nominees to bring their Declaration of Assets and Liabilities to the vetting of Parliament for scrutiny by the appointments committee before filing at the Auditor General when the nominee is approved”.
Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA
ASEPA believes that taking this action will help reinforce the law and lead to more robust compliance with asset declaration requirements, particularly among high-ranking officials such as Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, and Justices of the Superior Court.
It observed that this move will ultimately foster a culture of transparency and accountability in government, ensuring that public officials are held to the highest standards of integrity and probity.
The Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) further reaffirmed its commitment to remain a vital player in Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts.
It pledged to advocate against corruption through independent investigations, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns to promote transparency and accountability in government.
By exposing corruption and pushing for policy reforms, ASEPA helps ensure that power is used for the benefit of all citizens, not just a few.
ASEPA’s commitment to transparency and accountability makes it a vital watchdog in Ghana’s democratic landscape.
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