OccupyGhana and CSOs criticize delays in passing CoPO bill, citing lack of government commitment
OccupyGhana and the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have condemned the persistent delays in passing the Conduct of Public Officers Bill (CoPO), arguing that these setbacks highlight a lack of commitment from both the government and Parliament in addressing public sector corruption.
In a joint statement released on September 4, the CSOs emphasized the lengthy and difficult journey of the bill, which, if enacted, could have addressed numerous cases of unexplained wealth.
However, they claim the bill is currently facing significant resistance at the cabinet level.
The CSOs expressed surprise and concern over the bill’s continued stagnation, especially since it was adopted by Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee back in July 2020.
They asserted that recent issues related to public officials and unexplained wealth could have been resolved if the 2022 CoPO Bill had been enacted, suggesting that this may be why the bill is facing resistance in the Cabinet.
The statement further pointed out that the lack of progress on any CoPO Bill since 2013 indicates a broader governmental and parliamentary reluctance to combat rising corruption, particularly concerning procurement and conflicts of interest during the Fourth Republic.
The CSOs also linked the rising perception of public corruption to the delays in passing the bill, citing a recent Afrobarometer survey, which revealed that a majority (77%) of Ghanaians believe corruption has increased, and many feel the government is doing a poor job of addressing it.
The survey also highlighted widespread fear of retaliation among citizens who report corruption cases.
The CoPO Bill, if passed, would require public officers to declare their assets upon assuming and leaving office, among other measures aimed at enhancing accountability in public service.
