Remember Your Promise of Protecting the Public Purse-Civil Society Organizations to President Nana Addo
A consortium of Civil Organizations in Ghana has reminded the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to keep to his promise of protecting the public purse and uphold the laws of the country.
In his inaugural as the President of Ghana, Mr. Addo gave the assurance that his government would protect and manage the public purse to engender the necessary social and economic development.
“I shall protect the public purse by insisting on value for money in all public transactions. Public service is just that — service and not an avenue for making money. Money is to be made in the private sector, not the public. Measures will be put in place to ensure this,” he said.
State coffers, he said, were not spoils for the party that won an election but resources for the country’s social and economic development.
Touching on some key areas of his policy thrust and vision for the country, President Akufo-Addo said his government would work to restore integrity in public life, happiness in the nation and also create wealth.
However, he said, achieving some of the policy objectives of his administration would depend on the ability of the educated and skilled population to compete in the global economy.
The CSOs including anti-corruption bodies reminder was contained in a joint statement copied to Zaa News.
BELOW IS THE FULL STATEMENT OF THE CSOs
GII, SEND-GHANA, GACC, CMaC and CDD Call for Speedy and Transparent Investigation into Corruption Allegations.
The Consortium, comprising Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), SEND-Ghana and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) in collaboration with the Citizens’ Movement against Corruption (CMaC) and the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) wish to encourage H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to remember his promise to protect the public purse and uphold all the laws of Ghana, which includes Article 35(8) “The State shall take steps to eradicate corrupt practices…”. In line with this, the aforementioned organizations wish to call on government to expeditiously and transparently address the various corruption allegations that have made the news since 15th of May, 2017.
These allegations include:
Reported $1.5m corruption scandal involving two former officials of the National Communication Authority (Mr. Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie, a. former Board Chairman and Mr. William Tevie, a former Chief Executive Officer); the former Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Osman; and a private businessman, Mr. George Oppong. The allegation which was first reported by the Daily Guide in its May 15th 2017 edition stated that, the Public Officials mentioned above are said to have allegedly withdrawn and appropriated for themselves, $1.5million meant for the suppliers of a phone tapping equipment. Subsequently, the Minister for Information on 24th May, 2017 was heard on Joy FM, confirming the allegations. Latest information, including statements of denials from the persons alleged to have been questioned by the BNI, appears to have created confusion in the minds of the public as to what exactly happened.
A corruption allegation relating to the former Chief Executive of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Mr. George Crentsil, who is said to have pocketed an amount of $1.2 million (approximately GH¢5 million) supposedly received as kickback from a construction firm.
Reported corruption scandal involving 15 senior officers of the customs division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The Daily Graphic on 29th May 2017 .
Such speedy and rule of law approach will contribute to restoring public confidence in the government and the ability of institutions of state to fight corruption and protect the public purse.
SIGNED:
Mrs. Linda Ofori-Kwafo Executive Director
GII
Dr. Franklin Oduro
Deputy Director/Head of Research and Programs CDD-Ghana
Mr. George Osei-Bimpeh Country Director SEND-GHANA
Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh Executive Secretary GACC
Mr. Edem Senanu Co-Chairperson CMaC
