Fighting corruption: Sunyani Local Accountability Network recommends a multifaceted approach

An anti-corruption crusader and Secretary to the Sunyani Local Accountability Network (LANet), Raphael Godlove Ahenu Jr, has noted that addressing the impact of corruption in Ghana requires a multifaceted approach.

He mentioned strengthening anti-corruption laws and institutions such as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), promoting transparency and accountability, and fostering a culture of integrity and ethical leadership as strategies to curb corruption.

He said international cooperation and support can also play a crucial role in assisting countries like Ghana in their efforts to combat corruption and promote sustainable development.

According to Mr Ahenu Jr, corruption impedes economic growth and development by distorting markets, deterring foreign investment, and diverting public resources from essential services and infrastructure.

Mr Ahenu Jr. was addressing an anti-corruption forum in Sunyani, the Bono regional capital, to commemorate this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day organised by the Sunyani Local Accountability Network under the auspices of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC).

This year’s theme, ” United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption”, emphasized the interconnectedness of anti-corruption measures, peace, security, and development, highlighting the collective responsibility to combat corruption across sectors.

He observed that this year’s theme calls for collaboration between all the stakeholders and the general public to combat corruption and deal with its adverse consequences.

The GACC, with support from Good Governance Africa (GGA) and Hewlett Foundation, aims to educate and empower Ghanaian youth across 33 districts in 14 regions in Ghana on the significance of combating corruption.

The primary objective is to raise awareness about the negative impact of corruption and encourage their active participation in anti-corruption activities among the youth.

Mr Ahenu Jr. said according to the African Union’s High-Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows report, Ghana loses approximately $3 billion annually to illicit financial flows, which include activities related to corruption, tax evasion, and other illegal activities.

‘‘A substantial portion of these illicit financial flows can be attributed to corrupt practices, including bribery, embezzlement, tax evasion and misappropriation of public funds,” he stated.

According to him, efforts to combat corruption and mitigate its economic impacts are crucial for the sustainable development and prosperity of the country.

The Anti-corruption crusader pointed out that the foundation for involving citizens in anti-corruption efforts, as established in Article 13(1) of the UNCAC, mandates state parties to promote the active participation of individuals and groups outside the public sector in preventing and fighting corruption.

Participants at the forum called for strengthening legal frameworks to enhance and enforce anti-corruption laws, regulations, and mechanisms to ensure that corrupt practices are effectively deterred, detected, and punished.

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