The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and OccupyGhana have jointly condemned the anti-corruption measures proposed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in their manifestos for the upcoming December 7 elections.
In a statement, the CSOs expressed disappointment with both parties, criticizing their lack of commitment to effectively addressing public sector corruption. The groups specifically pointed to delays in passing the Conduct of Public Officers Bill (CoPO), a crucial piece of legislation that has stalled due to what they describe as insufficient dedication from both the government and Parliament.
The CSOs argued that this same lack of urgency is evident in the anti-corruption promises made by the NPP and NDC in their manifestos. They urged Ghanaians to take a stronger stance against corruption, as they believe the political parties have shown little genuine interest in tackling the issue.
“The 2020 NPP Manifesto promised the publication and enforcement of the 2018 CoPO Bill to give effect to Article 24 of the Constitution, whereas the NDC promised the enactment of conflict of interest legislation for all Government officials, including the executive and the legislature,” the statement read.
“However, in the recently launched manifesto, the NPP is now promising the enactment of a Corruption Act to consolidate existing corruption and corruption-related offenses. The NDC also promises the implementation of a code of conduct for public officers instead of legislation. We are concerned that this deliberate dithering will continue unless the people of Ghana take a firm interest in the Bill.”
The CSOs also cited a 2019 statement by Dr. Bawumia, where he emphasized the importance of the CoPO Bill, calling it “one law that can help build integrity in the Public Service, and we cannot afford to delay it any further.”
They further noted, “Undoubtedly, the enactment of the CoPO Bill will set the tone for an efficient and well-functioning public sector to ‘maximize the rate of economic development and to secure the maximum welfare, freedom, and happiness of every person in Ghana…’ as stipulated in Article 36(1) of the Constitution.”
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