Governments urged to check corruption

Accra, Aug. 4, GNA - The fight against corruption in countries in the West African Sub-Region would be greatly enhanced if political leaders exercised the necessary transparency in their business dealings, Mr Alex Newton, Deputy Director of USAID, said on Monday.

Speaking at the opening of a five-day anti-corruption and good governance workshop for participants drawn from Ghana, Mali and Nigeria, Mr Newton said corruption occurred mostly when governments failed to follow laid down procedures to public scrutiny and open up deals that they were engaged in.

The Les Aspin Center for Government is organizing the workshop, which is the last in a series of a five-week capacity development training programme aimed at equipping participants to demand integrity and accountability from governments and the public.

The workshop would also enable participants to discuss and synthesise training outcomes into specific, strategic plans and co-ordinated activities for implementation at both individual and organizational levels.

Mr Newton said when governments were put under control and made accountable to the people it would enhance economic development and the well -being of the citizens.

He stressed that there should be dialogue between civil society organizations and government to encourage understanding of issues at stake.

The Rev Timothy O'Brien, Director of Les Aspin Centre, stressed the importance of strategic planning to combat corruption.