GACC holds stakeholders forum on OSP Act in W/R
The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has organised a stakeholder's forum and training workshop on the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) Act, 2017 (Act 959) to deepen citizen's understanding with the law and strengthen collaboration in the fight against corruption.
The forum, held in Asankragua in the Amenfi West District under the theme: " Strengthening the Rule of Law and Fight Against Corruption in Ghana" formed part of the nationwide awareness campaign aimed at promoting transparency, integrity and accountability in governance.
It brought together respresentives from the National Commission for Civil Education (NCCE), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Ghana Police Service, traditional leaders, Ghana National Association of Techers (GNAT) the media, clergy, Market Women Association, members of the muslim community, tricycle riders and Hairdresser's Association.
Report corruption
An Assistant Communications Officer of GACC, Pamela Laourou,during the forum highlighted the background to the OSP's creation, mandate, and powers under Act 959 and recounted how corruption negatively affects daily life, from access to health care and education to the delivery of basic public services, and citizens can help to report corruption related issues.
She said fighting corruption is a collective responsibility, saying it is not the work of institutions alone; every citizen has a role to play to end corruption in Ghana.
"In the Western North Region, similar activities have been organised in Sefwi Wiawso, Bia West, and Bodi Districts to increase public understanding of the OSP's mandate."
Participants also discussed manifestations of corruption, including bribery, embezzlement, favouritism, conflict interest, and discretion, as stated in the OSP Act.
She urged participants to take advantage of the forum to educate their peers on matters involving corruption to institutions and channels mandated to fight corruption in Ghana such as Ghana Police Service, CHRAJ, EOCO, and NIB among others for the necessary actions.
