Corruption has been a major setback to Ghana’s development since independence with increasing reports of corruption in Ghana. Several measures have been adopted aimed at fighting the canker.
As measures to help fight corruption in the country, stakeholders at a day workshop in Bolgatanga were sensitized on existing anti-corruption laws and structures to follow in order to report cases of corruption.
The workshop organized by SEND Ghana in collaboration with Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) and Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) was meant to broaden the horizon of some citizens on appropriate ways to blow the whistle on corruption issues.
The three organizations secured funding support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to implement a four year project titled “Accountable Democratic Institutions and Systems Strengthening” (ADISS). The project purpose is to strengthen government institutions and civil society organizations with the aim of reducing corruption in Ghana.
Upper East Regional Program Manager of SEND Ghana, Rachal Gyabaah said through measures adopted by government, anti-corruption initiatives and international conveners, Ghana has made significant progress towards fighting corruption.
She however stated that the adequacy and effectiveness of some of the anti-corruption laws and key institutions crucial to the fight against corruption still remains a national challenge.
According to Ms. Gyabaah, fighting corruption needs a renewed, innovative and coordinated approach involving all sectors of Ghanaian society including civil society organizations making a contribution in various ways in tackling corruption.
Participants during the workshop were sensitized on mechanisms of reporting corruption and the platforms available to report corrupt issues.
However, a participant Bombande Florence Zihle of Bawku Literary Society expressed fears that whistle blowers identity is not protected and this situation according to her makes it difficult for people to report cases when they come across them.
Sachibu Leyawdeen, Assistant Development Planning Officer of Bawku Municipal Assembly believes that many are not willing to report corrupt cases due to the fact that institutions mandated to prosecute corrupt individuals are somehow reluctant to fast track cases of corrupt cases.
The capacity building workshop brought together 11 members each from Bolgatanga Municipal, Bawku Municipal, Kassena Nankana East Municipal, Bawku West District and Kassena Nankana West district. The composition of the 55 members comprises of members of the assemblies, women groups, faith base organizations, persons with disabilities, youth groups, and farmer’s group.
By: Joshua Asaah/A1radioonline.com/Ghana
