With support from the European Union and the Accountability, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ARAP), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has been given the mandate to collaborate with ten other institutions to intensify the fight against corruption in Ghana.
In all, ten institutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the initiative.
These institutions include: Parliament; Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice; Economic and Organized Crime Office; Ghana Audit Service; Financial Intelligence Centre; Narcotics Control Board; Internal Audit Agency; Bureau of National Investigation (BNI); Ghana Police Service; and Office of the Special Prosecutor.
An initial cycle of review of the implementation of initiatives against corruption recommended that Ghana take steps to improve collaboration among anti-corruption agencies and key accountability institutions, hence the adoption of the MoU.
Key highlights of the agreement entreats the various institutions to exchange information, foster better understanding and corporation, promote synergy and promote better coalition of information.
Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, Richard Ackom Quayson, said protocols would be developed to enable the key accountability institutions to engage in specific activities like sharing information and experiences, organizing periodic engagement for the public and developing mechanisms for peace and joint investigations.
Other measures include the adoption of pragmatic legislations and other measures to streamline the systems to ensure the management of accountable, effective and efficient use of Ghana’s limited resources to improve public service delivery.
“Notwithstanding the measures initiated in the MOU, there are still countless challenges against fighting corruption, crime and the continuous challenge in line with meeting key accountability institutions,” he said.
Mr Joseph Whittal, CHRAJ Commissioner, said Ghanaians expect a lot from accountability institutions in the fight against corruption and crime, so the institutions mandated under the law are expected to put their synergies to work.
Chief Executives and Directors of institutions such as EOCO, NACOB, Ghana Police, Parliament among others, pledged their commitment towards making the collaboration workable.
