Okudzeto Ablakwa addresses public concerns on citizen participation in anti-corruption efforts

The Chairperson of the Oral Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has dismissed allegations of heavy-handed government actions and emphasized the critical role of citizens in combating corruption.

Speaking on an Accra-based television network, Mr. Ablakwa clarified misconceptions surrounding recent anti-corruption initiatives and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and rule of law.

“We are not engaging in Gestapo-style raids or storming people’s homes. That has never been our approach,” he stated.

“It is important to highlight that organizations like the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) are actively encouraging citizens to report corruption through toll-free numbers and various programs. These groups are not law enforcement agencies like EOCO, OSP, CHRAJ, or the Attorney General’s Department, yet they play a vital role in empowering citizens to hold institutions accountable.”

Mr. Ablakwa questioned the source of public apprehension, describing the initiative as a straightforward call to action.

“This is essentially a ‘see something, say something’ principle. For a government that previously promoted similar measures under former President Akufo-Addo, including the endorsement of the ANAS principle to expose corruption, I find the current anxiety perplexing,” he noted.

He pointed to Article 41 of the Constitution, which enjoins all citizens to work towards safeguarding national resources and combating corruption.

“As citizens, we have a collective responsibility to halt the misuse of state resources and ensure accountability,” Mr. Ablakwa said.

The Chairperson also called for consistency in the public discourse on anti-corruption measures, urging citizens and stakeholders to support efforts aimed at eradicating graft and improving governance.

This statement comes amid growing debates on the role of civil society and government institutions in addressing corruption and promoting ethical governance in Ghana.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith