Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare, a Democracy and Development Fellow at CDD-Ghana, has highlighted essential actions needed to effectively combat corruption, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action.
According to him, the fight against corruption transcends targeting individual wrongdoers; it is fundamentally a struggle to safeguard the soul of the nation.
He noted that Corruption erodes public trust, squanders valuable resources, and stifles national development.
Addressing this pervasive issue, he indicated , demands courage, determination, and an unwavering commitment to prioritize the collective good over personal or partisan gains.
Prof. Asare has therefore called for bold, immediate measures aimed at fostering transparency, accountability, and integrity within every sector of governance.
“Public officials must declare their assets upon assuming office and at the end of their tenure. However, asset declaration’s true effectiveness depends on transparency and accountability. It is not enough for officials to file their declarations; these must also be published and accessible to the public to allow for scrutiny and build public trust.
“Establish dedicated courts to handle corruption cases swiftly and effectively. These courts must avoid the culture of endless adjournments and interlocutory appeals, which often derail justice. Swift and decisive rulings will act as a strong deterrent to corruption”.
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
He further emphasized the need for ethical, competent, and non-partisan judges, asserting that corruption courts must be staffed with highly trained judges of unquestionable integrity. These judges should possess expertise in forensic matters and be supported by skilled expert witnesses.
Their decisions, he noted, must demonstrate fairness, professionalism, and a steadfast dedication to justice, devoid of any political influence.
Prof. Asare also underscored the importance of cultivating a culture of compliance, advocating for a national ethos where ethical conduct becomes the standard rather than the exception.
He stressed that compliance should be embraced at every level, from public institutions to private entities, to foster a culture of integrity and accountability. “Let’s start by complying with traffic laws”.
Ban on Sole-Sourcing and Lifestyle Audits Advised
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare also recommended implementing a ban on sole-sourcing in public procurement, allowing it only in exceptional and justifiable circumstances.
He emphasized that competitive bidding should become the norm to ensure value for money and reduce opportunities for favoritism and corruption.
He also advocated for the introduction of lifestyle audits, urging regular assessments of public officials’ wealth to uncover unexplained assets and identify discrepancies between their declared earnings and observed living standards.
Such audits, Prof. Asare noted, would deter corrupt practices and enhance accountability among public servants.
“Sunshine Policies; Transparency is critical. Mandate the immediate publication of government contracts, procurement details, and spending records to allow citizens to monitor public expenditure and ensure accountability.
“Streamlined Responsibilities Among Anti-Corruption Agencies; Resolve turf wars by clearly defining roles and responsibilities among agencies such as EOCO, OSP, and CHRAJ. This will enhance coordination, prevent duplication of efforts, and increase efficiency in the fight against corruption”.
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
He emphasized the need to codify corruption laws and expand the scope of corruption-related offenses to include money laundering, tax evasion, and other predicate crimes.
He noted that a comprehensive legal framework is crucial for effective enforcement.
Prof. Asare also called for strengthening preventive controls to reduce opportunities for corruption.
He highlighted that prevention is just as important as enforcement, stressing the need to design systems that deter misconduct before it happens.
He further urged decisive action on adverse findings by the Auditor General, ensuring such malfeasance is addressed and prevented from recurring.
“These are the practical steps that can transform how we address corruption. A genuine commitment to these actions will rebuild public trust, ensure the judicious use of resources, and lay the foundation for sustainable development”.
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
Prof. Asare emphasized that corruption is not an unbeatable challenge.
He maintained that with bold leadership, determination, and collective action, Ghana can build a nation where integrity flourishes and corruption no longer hinders its development. “GOGO is committed to ensuring this vision becomes a reality”.
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