CHRAJ to aid elections

Wa (U/W), July 21, GNA - The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) would engage 500 of its staff to assist in preventing acts that would mar this year's elections, Mr Ayomdoo Charles, Deputy Director in charge of Anti-corruption has said. He said it was an offence for any person to use money to induce the electorate to vote in his or her favour.

Mr Charles was speaking at a two-day workshop in Wa on promoting awareness of the conflict of interest guidelines for public officers in the Upper West Region.


He said public officials were not allowed by law to solicit gifts or accept gifts since that may have the potential to influence the exercise of their duties.


He said they were also prohibited from recruiting and employing spouses, relatives and other close associates.


Mr Charles appealed to public officials to avoid soliciting, negotiating for or accepting private employment or rendering services for private interests since such activities could create conflict with the proper discharge of their duties. Madam Linda Ofori-Kwafo, Programme Manager of Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) said corruption was a poison that no society was free from.

She said corruption posed a major obstacle to advancement, destroyed efforts to establish the rule of law, discouraged investment and efforts at improving the living standards of the poor, especially in developing countries.


Madam Ofori-Kwafo suggested an intensive training of all sectors affected by corruption on code of conduct and the establishment of ethics desk to receive and address complaints. She called for the improved performance of leaders and independent and effective media to fight corruption.


Madam Ofori-Kwafo advocated for the strengthening of independent institutions established to fight corruption.


The CHRAJ in collaboration with G11 organised the forum which treated topics on corruption, it forms and effects, the whistle blowers acts, cause of conflict of interest, abuse of power and receiving and giving gifts among things.