The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and OccupyGhana have released a joint statement expressing deep disappointment with the Cabinet's reluctance to approve the Conduct of Public Officers Bill (CoPO) for enactment.
This response comes after repeated assurances from both President Akufo-Addo and the Attorney-General that the Bill, first introduced in 2008 and revised in 2022, would be passed into law.
The CSOs strongly reject the Cabinet's claim that "existing laws are adequate to deal with the conduct of public officers," arguing that the CoPO Bill is essential to addressing gaps in current legislation.
The Bill, which focuses on reforms in asset declaration, conflict of interest, and public officials' code of conduct, aims to curb corruption and enhance transparency within the public sector.
Despite the Vice President's 2019 promise to expedite the Bill's passage, it has faced significant resistance within the Cabinet.
The CSOs suggest that this opposition may stem from concerns about the Bill's potential to expose corruption among public officials, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding unexplained wealth.
The statement highlights that Ghana's failure to enact any version of the CoPO Bill since 2013 reflects a broader lack of commitment to combating corruption.
This is underscored by a recent Afrobarometer survey, which found that 77% of Ghanaians believe corruption is on the rise, with 69% perceiving widespread corruption in key public institutions.
The CSOs emphasize the importance of the CoPO Bill in aligning Ghana with international standards, citing similar legislation in the United States, Kenya, and the United Kingdom.
They argue that the Bill would strengthen accountability and public trust, which are critical for the functioning of a market economy.
The joint statement also criticizes the Cabinet's justification for delaying the Bill, pointing to the Parliamentary Committee's 2020 report, which acknowledged the inadequacy of existing laws in addressing public office accountability.
The CSOs note that even a detailed response from OccupyGhana, outlining the Bill's strong provisions, failed to sway the Cabinet.
The CSOs urge Ghanaians, other civil society groups, and the media to join the campaign to pressure the Cabinet to approve the CoPO Bill and forward it to Parliament for swift passage.
They stress that the enactment of the CoPO Bill is crucial for ensuring an efficient and transparent public sector, in line with the principles outlined in Ghana's Constitution.