MPs call for political will in implementing Whistleblower Bill

Accra, June 21, GNA - Members of Parliament on Tuesday expressed satisfaction with the introduction of the Whistleblower Bill in the House saying it was a giant step in dealing with corruption but called for political will to ensure that when the Bill becomes operational it becomes an effective tool to tackle corruption.

They also called on the Attorney - General to quickly introduce the Freedom of Information Bill in the House to offers the necessary support to the Whistleblower Bill in the fight against corruption.

The Members, who were contributing to a motion for the second reading of the Whistleblower Bill, moved by Mr Joe Ghartey, Attorney - General and Minister of Justice, also called for strict implementation of the Whistleblower Bill when passed to ensure that persons, who would make false allegations about public officials were punished.

The Bill seeks to provide for the manner in which individuals may in the public interest disclose information that relates to unlawful or other illegal conducts or practices.

It also provides protection against victimization of persons, who make these disclosures and a fund to compensate individuals, who make the disclosures.

Mr Stephen Balado-Manu, NPP-Ahafo Ano South, in his contributions, was particularly concerned about the safety of the Whistleblower, saying people, who give out information about unlawful conduct could become targets of terror because their identity could be leaked secretly to those at the centre of unlawful deeds.

He said although the Bill made provision to protect the Whistleblower and punish anyone, who disclosed the identity of the Whistleblower, there was the need to ensure the maximum protection of informants.

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, NDC-Tamale South, who echoed the views of other Members, said the Bill as it stood, gave too much power to the Attorney - General in its administration and implementation.

He said anti-corruption bodies such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, should rather be given more powers to implement the Bill.

Mr John Ndebugre, PNC-Zebilla, said since the Attorney - General was part of Government and its principal legal advisor; it would not be too easy for him to deal with Members of Government accused of conducted.

He said the Attorney - General would thus be sympathetic to the Executive and this would undermine the law if he were given too many powers.

Mr Mohammed Ayariga, NDC-Bawku Central, urged the Executive to act upon information given on misconduct of public officers when the bill becomes operational The Report of the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs on the Whistleblower Bill, was laid before Parliament last week.

The Bill is in five main parts with part one and two making provision for the disclosure of impropriety and procedures for making a disclosure.

The other areas covered by the Bill, include protection against victimization; establishment of a fund; sources of the money for the funds and the management and disbursement of the funds.

The Committee's Report said the Bill, sought to promote public spiritedness and a sense of nationalism.

The Committee has, meanwhile, proposed some amendments to the Bill for the consideration of the House, saying they were consistent with the Constitution and would help to combat corruption and impropriety.

"The Committee after careful examination of the above concerns submits that the object and purpose of the Bill is to expose corruption and acts of impropriety generally, which have nothing to do with secrecy, particularly so since it is untenable to argue that State laws on secrecy encourage concealment of corruption and impropriety," the Report said.