CHRAJ wants faith based organization to deter corruption

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) is seeking the partnership with faith-based organisations in the fight against corruption.

To further the cause, CHRAJ organised an engagement meeting in the Upper East Regional capital of Bolgatanga and brought together pastors and leaders of the church, Muslim clerics and leaders of other faith-based institutions.

The stakeholders, as leaders of spiritual devotees, are expected to use the pulpit and other places of worship to educate and enhance integrity of members and the public to fight corruption.

The theme for the forum was: “Building Broad Coalition for Combating Corruption and Enhancing Integrity in Ghana”. The forum also sought to empower citizens and strengthen the capacity of the public to fight corruption.

Mr Richard Quayson, Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, said corruption, which had become part of everyday mannerism in Ghana was of great concern to the Church, and other religious bodies, therefore, there was an urgent need for these bodies to help chart a path against the canker.

The role of faith-based organizations in reversing the trend and ensuring that society followed the principles of integrity could not be underestimated, he stated.

The meeting also served as a follow up on earlier nationwide engagements to strengthen efforts and give impetus to the implementation of the National Anti- Corruption Action Plan (NACAP), established as a national plan of action to fight corruption.

He said the plan identified the role of faith-based organisations as crucial in the march against corruption.

“Therefore, they must begin to show their worth and begin to teach members to live right, as it takes integrity to win the war against corruption,” the Deputy Commissioner stated.

Mr Vitus Adaboo Azeem, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), in a presentation, highlighted the objectives of GII as fighting against corruption, sharing knowledge and advocating for structural reforms, through integrity and empowering the citizenry to demand accountability.

He said his outfit was collaborating with CHRAJ in the anti-corruption drive with its core values to promote integrity, openness, and honesty.

Mr Azeem, who defined corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, said it was necessary to roll out reforms in fighting corruption hence the need for concerted efforts in the fight against the canker.