General News of Tuesday, 9 July 2013

Source: Joy Online

Code of Ethics will not stop corruption - Prof. Adei

The former Rector for Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Professor Stephen Adei says the introduction of working ethics for government appointees, will not stop corruption.

Even though Prof. Adei lauded President John Dramani Mahama for introducing the code of ethics for his appointees, the absence of emphasis on sanctions will not deter them from such engaging in corrupt practices.

President John Dramani Mahama on Monday launched a book on code of ethics for ministers and other political appointees, with a call on them to strictly adhere to it, to avoid bribery, corruption and other malpractices, at Peduase in the Eastern Region.

The president said although there are various codes of ethics to guide political appointees, the current one was to complement that effort and fully give the appointees, the right atmosphere to perform their duties creditably in their areas of jurisdiction.

But according to Prof. Adei, President Mahama and his vice- Kwesi Amissah-Arthur must first declare their assets to emphasise on transparency from the top for others to follow.

Speaking on Badwam on Adom TV Tuesday, the former GIMPA boss urged the president to set up an independent Anti-Corruption Commission to give checks and balances to such practice devoid of governments arm in such matters.

He said government must work towards reducing bureaucracy in government institutions to check bribery adding that, there must be presidential initiatives on attitudinal change followed with nationwide public education.