The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and OccupyGhana have expressed significant disappointment with the Cabinet’s reluctance to approve the Conduct of Public Officers Bill (CoPO) for enactment.
This criticism follows repeated assurances from President Akufo-Addo and the Attorney-General that the Bill, initially introduced in 2008 and revised in 2022, would be passed into law.
The CSOs strongly reject the Cabinet’s assertion that existing laws are sufficient to address public officers’ conduct, arguing that the CoPO Bill is crucial for closing gaps in current legislation.
The Bill, which addresses reforms in asset declaration, conflict of interest, and the code of conduct for public officials, aims to combat corruption and promote transparency in the public sector.
Despite the Vice President’s 2019 promise to expedite the Bill’s passage, it has faced considerable resistance within the Cabinet.
The CSOs suggest that this resistance may be due to concerns that the Bill could expose corruption among public officials, especially given recent controversies over unexplained wealth.
The statement points out that Ghana’s failure to enact any version of the CoPO Bill since 2013 reflects a broader lack of commitment to tackling corruption.
This concern is supported by a recent Afrobarometer survey, which found that 77% of Ghanaians believe corruption is increasing, with 69% perceiving widespread corruption in key public institutions.
The CSOs emphasize that the CoPO Bill is essential for 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, vital for a functioning market economy.
The joint statement also criticizes the Cabinet’s justification for delaying the Bill, referencing a 2020 Parliamentary Committee report that acknowledged the inadequacy of existing laws in ensuring public office accountability.
Even a detailed response from OccupyGhana, outlining the Bill’s strong provisions, failed to influence the Cabinet.
The CSOs urge Ghanaians, other civil society groups, and the media to join their campaign to pressure the Cabinet to approve the CoPO Bill and forward it to Parliament for swift passage.
They stress that enacting the CoPO Bill is crucial for ensuring a transparent and efficient public sector, in line with the principles outlined in Ghana’s Constitution.
