Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo, has renewed his call for bold and uncompromising action against corruption in Ghana’s public sector.
He emphasizes that the fight against corruption will only yield results when accountability extends beyond junior officers to include internal auditors, directors, and heads of institutions who preside over corrupt practices.
“Internal auditors, directors, and heads of institutions where corruption is identified must also be prosecuted,” he stated.
Domelevo stresses that the legal framework, particularly Article 286(4) of the 1992 Constitution, must be strengthened to give anti-corruption agencies more bite. He argues that the reverse burden of proof and unexplained wealth laws should be enforced to hold public officers accountable for their assets.
“[President] Mahama can eliminate corruption by strengthening Article 286(4) of the Constitution and ensuring that provisions on reverse burden and unexplained wealth are actively enforced,” Mr. Domelevo explained.
He further warns that failure to enforce existing anti-corruption laws will worsen the situation in the near future.
“Corruption cases are likely to worsen in the next five years if we fail to enforce existing laws,” said Mr. Domelevo.
He believes speed and fairness in the justice system are essential in deterring corruption, emphasizing that prolonged legal processes embolden wrongdoers and weaken public trust.
“Fast-tracking corruption cases to a maximum of three months can serve as a strong deterrent to other public officials,” he said.
Source: Barima Kofi Dawson