By Francis Kwabena CofieÂ
Pantang (G/A) May 15, GNA- The National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged a cross-section of students at the Pantang Midwifery and Nursing Training College in Accra on the rule of law and the fight against corruption.
As part of ongoing implementation of the “Civic Engagement on the Rule of Law and the Fight against Corruption”, the NCCE has undertaken a series of activities to empower citizens to actively participate in governance processes and demand accountability from duty-bearers.
It also includes engagements with out- of- school youth and women groups across operational districts, regional and national dialogue platforms among others.
The civic engagement, which is being held in 60 tertiary institutions simultaneously, also includes selected Senior High Schools across the country.
The rationale for the project is to enhance awareness and understanding among the youth in senior and tertiary institutions on transparency, demand for accountability, and respect for the rule of law as important elements in the fight against corruption.
The project was commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development (BMZ) and co- financed by the European Union (EU) and Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The program is implemented by the Deutsch Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zuemmeibeit (GIZ) in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance with the NCCE serving as an implementing partner.
Participants were sensitised on topics such as conflict of interest in public and institutional decision-making, influence- peddling and abuse of office, rule of law and ethical leadership standards.
In an address, the Greater Accra Regional Director of the NCCE, Mr. Mawuli Agbenu, said it would be observed in recent times that a growing number of people are demanding accountability from duty- bearers without which our democracy cannot survive.
He said leaders in positions of authority must always account to the people who put them there, adding that without that, the tendency for corrupt practices would increase which would not augur well for our democracy.
Delivering a presentation on conflict of interest, Mr. John Ato Breboh, a resource person and CHRAJ’s Municipal Director took students through the nature, types, and legal implications of conflict of interest, as well as the Commission’s broader anti-corruption mandate.
He further took students through the Commission’s conflict of interest guidelines, the legal definitions of public office and public officers, and the various forms that conflicts of interest can take including their causes and real-world examples.
He also addressed how public officials can discover when they are in a conflict-of-interest situation and the appropriate steps to take in that situation.
Mr. Breboh stressed that the subject carried much significance for the participants entering the health sector.
Nurses, he noted, occupy significant roles within the public health system, and their professional responsibilities can place them at the centre of conflict-of-interest situations, especially those who go on to serve as public health officials.
Among the specific issues he raised was the disclosure of confidential patient or institutional information for personal gain, which he described as a clear breach of duty under the code of conduct for public officials.
He also cited moonlighting which is working secondary jobs that conflict with one’s official duties and the misuse of subordinate staff time as common examples of conducts that cross ethical and legal boundaries.
Mr. Breboh grounded his presentation on constitutional authority, reminding students that Chapter 24 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution binds public officials and public institutions to a defined code of conduct, and that any breach of this code empowers CHRAJ to take action against the offending officer or entity.
He also invoked the Latin legal principle “Nemo judex in causa sua”, which is the rule that no person should be a judge in their own cause, as a foundational safeguard against conflict of interest in administrative decision-making.
In an open forum, a student raised a point about how Parliament could approve presidential appointees who may have known records of corruption or a tendency for conflicts of interest.
Responding, Mr. Breboh acknowledged the concern but noted that Ghana’s vetting process is itself a constitutional safeguard, adding that, all presidential appointees must be vetted by Parliament before assuming office, providing a structured opportunity to assess their suitability.
He stressed, however, that it is often after assumption of office that misconduct occurs, and that institutions such as CHRAJ, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Auditor-General, and the Attorney-General each play a role in holding officials accountable.
He added that failure to declare assets upon assuming office could trigger investigations by the Commission.
Another student asked about the role of the Whistleblower Act in combating corruption.
Mr. Breboh described the Act as a powerful tool that enables citizens to report officials engaged in corrupt practices or conflict of interest situations, particularly those with the potential to result in economic crimes or environmental damage.
He affirmed the CHRAJ’s view of the Act as a vital complement to the Commission’s work.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah