Ghanaians should build a proud nation – Deputy CHRAJ Commissioner
The Deputy Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) Mr Richard Ackom Quayson has urged Ghanaians to help to build a nation all could be proud of.
Mr Quayson said to be able to do that they must eschew greediness, which leads to corruption, conflict of interest, nepotism and other vices which hinder good governance.
He made the call at a workshop on conflict of interest for the members of the Gomoa West District Assembly at Apam.
He said the Commission was set up in 1993 to perform three main functions, namely ensure Human rights, seeking Administrative Justice and checking anti-corruption.
Mr Quayson pointed out that promoting good governance must not be regarded as the responsibility of politicians alone but that of every Ghanaian.
The Deputy Commissioner cautioned public officers against using their positions to benefit themselves and close relatives.
He urged public office holders to bear in mind that they were put in those positions to serve Ghanaians and that they were accountable to Ghanaians.
“You must develop strategies to promote integrity, probity and accountability,” he stressed, admonishing them to be dedicated and faithful to the country.
Mr Joe Whittle, Director, Legal Department said Ghanaians could complain to CHRAJ if they had facts showing that a public officer had engaged in corrupt practice, misappropriated public money or put himself or herself in a conflict of interest position.
He said any activity likely to lead to abuse of public office for private gain, misuse of public property or monies, theft of public property or money, illicit enrichment or illegal acquisition of wealth, bribery, extortion, kick backs, patronage could be reported for investigation.
Mr Theophilus Aidoo-Mensah, District Chief Executive appealed to the government to resource CHRAJ adequately to enable it to perform its mandates effectively.
Mr Aidoo-Mensah, who was the commission’s Chief Accountant before his appointment as DCE expressed gratitude to the body for selecting his district as the first to benefit from the workshop.
Source: GNA