We need to tackle corruption involving public office holders without sentiments – Godfred Dame

"We need to tackle issues of corruption allegations, particularly those involving public officeholders, without sentiments," suggested Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.

He made the call while speaking on behalf of the President at the 14th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa.

He also stressed the need for transparency in the fight against corruption.

"The fight against corruption requires honesty and integrity in the disclosure of results. There must be an avoidance of sensationalism by all parties involved: investigative bodies, civil society, and the public.

"It augurs well for the fight if the results of corruption allegations against public officers, particularly senior members of government which are refuted and unsubstantiated, are fully disclosed by investigative bodies.

"Investigative bodies must be honest and bold enough to disclose to the public the full results of investigations into allegations of corruption against members of the government which turned out to be untrue.

"This is one sure way to boost the confidence of the public in their government, reduce their suspicion, distrust, and cynicism with which the public views officeholders."

"There is a truism that not every public officeholder is corrupt, and investigative authorities must discard the view that the only way to stay relevant is by keeping the flame of allegations of corruption against public officeholders burning, even if the same are unfounded and without basis," he concluded.