Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, the Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Organisation (EOCO), is rallying citizens not just to be alert to potential external threats but to broaden their vigilance to include corruption. Highlighting the importance of public participation in combating corruption, Addo-Danquah emphasized that the success of the fight against corruption relies heavily on every individual’s willingness to report corrupt activities.
Addo-Danquah highlighted the essential role that every Ghanaian plays in eradicating corruption, asserting that silence and inaction only serve to exacerbate the issue. Despite the government’s considerable efforts, including the introduction of new laws and measures aimed at curbing corruption, progress has been frustratingly stagnant.
For three consecutive years, Ghana’s fight against corruption appears to have hit a plateau, a situation that Addo-Danquah finds worrying. She stressed that the fight against corruption is not just the responsibility of institutions like EOCO but is a duty that falls on every citizen.
The call for a collective approach to combating corruption comes at a time when public trust in corruption management is waning. The recent Corruption Perception Index report echoes this sentiment, revealing a persistent struggle against corruption not just in Ghana but globally, with Sub-Saharan Africa identified as a particularly problematic region. Addo-Danquah’s message is clear: to make a significant impact, every individual must be passionate and proactive in reporting corrupt activities.
The conference also served as a platform for evaluating the performance of the CAGD staff over the previous year and discussing strategies to enhance services. The event saw the distribution of awards to staff members who had demonstrated exemplary performance, further encouraging a culture of excellence and integrity within the department.
According to a report by Graphic Online, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, represented by Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah, underscored the crucial role of accountants in the economic landscape. Bawumia pointed to several technological innovations, such as the Electronic Salary Payment Validation and the Ghana Integrated Financial Management System, as tools that could drive economic growth. He encouraged accountants to continue exploring ways to improve business processes, thereby contributing to the country’s economic prosperity.
In a notable achievement for Ghana, the Controller and Accountant General, Kwasi Kwaning Bosompem, announced that, for the first time in 2020, the department had produced a comprehensive national account. This accomplishment provides a broader view of the financial performance and position of the country, aligning Ghana with nations like the UK, Canada, and Australia in terms of financial reporting standards.
Addo-Danquah’s call to action and the discussions at the conference underscore a critical moment for Ghana. As the country gears up for future challenges, including the 2024 elections, the fight against corruption remains a pivotal issue. With the combined efforts of the government, institutions, and the public, Ghana aims to break the cycle of corruption and foster a more transparent, accountable governance structure.
