Sunyani, July 25, GNA – Mr Johnson Mawuli Tsagli, Bono Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has urged public officials to guard against abuse of office by avoiding conflicts of interest and influence peddling.
He said public officials must uphold ethical leadership and the rule of law to strengthen public confidence in state institutions.
Mr Tsagli gave the advice at a youth leadership forum organised by the Bono Regional Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Sunyani.
He emphasised that integrity and accountability were critical to building public trust and ensuring good governance.
The forum, organised by the NCCE in collaboration with the European Union and GIZ, was on the theme: “Civic Engagement on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption.”
It brought together student leaders and students from some tertiary institutions in the Bono Region.
Mr Tsagli explained that conflict of interest occurred when the private interests of public officers interfered with the discharge of their official duties, often resulting in unfair decisions and loss of public confidence.
“When public officials prioritise personal gain over public interest, it breeds corruption and denies citizens equal access to services,” he said, urging persons in leadership positions to comply with asset declaration requirements.
He noted that influence peddling and abuse of public office undermined public institutions and eroded the gains made in the nation’s democratic governance.
Mr Tsagli stressed that adherence to ethical principles, including transparency, fairness and respect for human rights, should guide the conduct of all public officers.
He urged institutions to strengthen internal controls, enforce asset declaration requirements and ensure that laws on conflict of interest were applied without fear or favour.
Mr Tsagli assured participants that CHRAJ would continue to educate public officials and citizens on their rights and responsibilities while investigating complaints of administrative injustice.
He called on the Government, civil society organisations, the media and traditional authorities to collaborate in promoting a culture of integrity, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
“Upholding the rule of law and ethical leadership is a shared responsibility. It is the foundation for justice, development and respect for human rights,” he added
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Regina Benneh