CPP’s blue print on corruption

The government of the Convention Peoples' Party (CPP) under the leadership of Dr Michael Abu Sakara will deal ruthless with corrupt government officials to serve as a deterrent to other public office holders, the party's 2012 manifesto has stated. The party has identified lack of political will as the bane of the fight against corruption, which accordingly has undermined public confidence in government. The manifesto states the CPP will use its stand on corruption to attract votes to win the December polls. It says corruption has cost the nation billions of Ghana Cedis as a result of fraudulent practices in government and government projects. The party says, it would adequately resource public institutions, such as Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). Again the party sees corruption as a canker where some public officials sometimes used their relatives in acquiring properties which far exceeded their main income. The CPP claims that it would implement the Whistle Blower Law to encourage the public to report corrupt practices that undermine the integrity of the country. "CPP will pass the Freedom of Information bill as part of a broad legislative agenda as well as ensuring compliance with the constitution and put open public asset declaration at the heart of public service to improve governance and fight corruption. "CPP will not compromise in the pursuit of social justice...we believe in creating a society that gives equal opportunity to all and the future of our citizens should not be determined by the accident or circumstances of their birth but by the opportunities created by the state intervention". A recent survey by the National Commission for Civic Education on matters of concern to the voter with a focus on corruption shows a substantial number of people (45.3 per cent of total respondents) wanting government to severely punish corrupt officials to serve as deterrent to others. The respondents called on government to strengthen state institutions that deal with corruption; enforce corruption laws in the country, and embark on public education on the dangers and negative side of corruption. They were of the view that appropriate wages should be paid to government officials to curb corruption; leaders to live exemplary lives, and urged government to review the assets declaration laws of people in authority.

GNA