Politics of Sunday, 1 September 2013

Source: Joy Online

PPP spearheads campaign against corruption

The Progressive People's Party is spearheading in a series of demonstrations to campaign against corruption in Ghana’s governance system.

The PPP says the campaign is in support of reforms in Ghana’s governance system and makes incorruptible leadership a reality in the country.

To this effect, the first in the series of demonstrations to officially launch the anti-corruption campaign will take place on Tuesday, September 10, 2013.

The demonstration will start from the Obra Spot, Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, at 7:30 am; through the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Kantamanto, Makola, Central Post Office and High Street, to the Old Polo Grounds for the official launch.

A statement issued Sunday by William Doworkpor, Convener of the Anti-Corruption Campaign Group said the anti-corruption demonstration aims to stop corruption and wastage, estimated to cost the Ghanaian public sector alone, some GH¢3billion annually.

The Coalition’s four-fold demands for reform include:

i. Turning the Office of Attorney-General into an Independent Prosecutor’s Office separate from the Ministry of Justice so that that Office is removed from the negative influence of partisan politics to deal with all forms of corruption without fear or favour.

ii. Separating the Legislature (Parliament) from the Executive (Presidency) so that effective checks and balance can operate.

iii. Removing the “hand” of the Executive (Presidency) from the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies and take away the opportunity for partisan patronage from the center, through popular election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) by the people; and

iv. Establishing a Ministry of Public Service to continuously seek improvement in the way work is done and take steps to strengthen public institutions in Ghana.