Anti-Corruption Bodies Urge Government to Fast Track Conduct of Public Officer's Bill Amidst High-Profile Theft Case

In the wake of a recent high-profile theft case involving a former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, and her husband, two prominent anti-corruption bodies, the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), have called on the government to expedite the laying of the Conduct of Public Officer's Bill before Parliament for immediate passage into law.

The proposed bill includes provisions for amending the existing Asset Declaration Act, aimed at strengthening the country's asset declaration regime. However, it has been lingering before Cabinet for over a year without a definitive commitment to have it presented before Parliament for consideration and approval.

The GII and GACC's plea adds to a growing chorus of voices demanding swift action to address corruption-related issues in the country. Earlier, a pressure group called OccupyGhana had also made a similar call, highlighting the urgency of enacting stronger anti-corruption measures.

The recent case involving the alleged theft of substantial amounts of money and personal effects from a public officer has reignited concerns about the source and intended use of such large sums of money. The alleged theft reportedly involved $1 million, €300,000, and unspecified millions of Ghana cedis.

While the swift arrest and ongoing investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) have been commended, the organizations stress the importance of investigating the source of the money to ensure transparency and accountability.
The GII and GACC also emphasize the need to protect the two house helps named in the case, as they serve as critical witnesses to the unfolding narrative.

In addition to the Conduct of Public Officer's Bill, the organizations call for the reinforcement of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 2003 (Act 646), to establish a reverse burden of proof in addressing illicit enrichment. This measure would place the onus on public officials to prove the legitimate sources of their wealth, discouraging corruption and promoting accountability.

The statement concludes with a plea for the government to take decisive action in addressing alleged corruption cases and demonstrate its commitment to fighting corruption without any perceived interference. Upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability in the government will be essential in building public trust and safeguarding the nation's resources.
 

Source: Tellusghana||Ewura Ama