Citizens' Complaints Centre receives heavy-weight cases

...investigations take off

The Citizens' Complaints Centre (CCC) which was set-up by the President John Dramani Mahama government to help battle the corruption canker in the country, has received thousands of heavy-weights cases.

According to Dr. Clement Abbass Apaak, these cases the center has received border on corruption, crimes, poor justice to the under-privileged in the society and other issues, involve top personalities in the country.

Speaking to The Republic, the Presidential Staffer said the center has looked into the cases reported and will soon commence investigations and recommend to the appropriate authority to deal with those found guilty.

"The Citizens' Complaints Unit has been set up in fulfillment of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama's resolve to encourage active citizen participation in support of the fight against corruption and to enhance the right of citizens to demand better services from state institutions and agencies. The Citizens' Complaints Unit oversees Citizens Complaints Center(s) nationwide", he said.

Dr Apaak disclosed that though his political opponents have drawn a plan to frustrate the Center from achieving its aim, the CCC has all the necessary human resources manning the offices and would prove those enemies wrong.

He assured Ghanaians that the CCC would not cover up anyone who falls foul of the law because it will work to help the president realise his dream of minimizing or wiping corrupt practices in the country.

According to him, it would be unlawful to prosecute people based on perception because of the democratic culture the country has adopted but if complaints are made to the Unit about anybody whether a government appointees or a civil servant, the Centre will investigate the complaint, substantiate it and take the necessary action.

The CCC according to our sources will liaise with appropriate law enforcement agencies to ensure that defaulting individuals and companies are prosecuted where criminal offences have been committed.

He said the systems must be allowed to work, particularly "our legal systems, where those alleged or perceived to be corrupt would be investigated and tried in court of competent jurisdiction."

Dr Apaak who was the spokesperson for the Special Operation Unit (SOU) of the Office of the President that recouped a lot of revenues lost to the state due to fraudulent practices at the country's ports further assured that the Centre would go all out to ensure that corrupt practices were minimised.

He thus, charged the public to make use of the CCC which is now in full operation without fear or favour so as to help government win the war against corruption.

In his opinion if the system was allowed to work without any political interference corruption in the country would become unattractive.

He said the CCC is set up by law and is regulated by a set of guidelines approved by the Presidency stating that "the guidelines contain professional standards and code of conduct for individuals working within the CCC. Indeed, the guidelines are aimed at improving the operational efficiency of the Centre, enhancing the overall performance of the Centre".

Section 58 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana vests executive authority of Ghana in the President. Subsection (2) extends the executive authority to the execution and maintenance of the Constitution and all laws made under or continued in force by the Constitution. Subsection (3) stipulates that the functions conferred on the President by the executive authority shall, subject to the provision of the Constitution, be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him.

What this means is that the President can and is empowered by law to initiate measures to achieve the objects of the Constitution.

Under the Directives Principles of State Policy: "The State shall take steps to eradicate corrupt practices ...." Section 36 (2) also states that the State shall, in particular, take all necessary steps to establish a sound and healthy economy whose underlying principles shall include – ensuring that individuals and the private sector bear their fair share of social and national responsibilities including responsibilities to contribute to the overall development of the country.

Furthermore, section 41 of the Constitution makes reference to the duties of citizens. Subsection (f) for example, places a duty on citizens to protect and preserve public property and expose and combat misuse and waste of public funds and property. Subsection (j) enjoins citizens to declare his income honestly to the appropriate and lawful agencies and to satisfy all tax obligations.