The Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has emphasized the imperative of addressing corruption allegations, particularly those involving public officeholders, with objectivity and fairness.
His remarks follow widespread criticism regarding advice from the Attorney General’s Office to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to cease money laundering investigations into the activities of former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah.
Representing the President at the 14th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa, Mr. Dame underscores the importance of transparency in the anti-corruption endeavor.
He advocated for honesty and integrity in disclosing investigation outcomes, urging all stakeholders, including investigative bodies, civil society, and the public, to refrain from sensationalism.
Mr. Dame believes that fully sharing the results of corruption allegations against public officers, especially high-ranking government officials, whether refuted or unsubstantiated, is crucial for bolstering public confidence, reducing suspicion, distrust, and cynicism.
Additionally, Mr. Dame suggested that investigative bodies should transparently disclose the complete findings of investigations into corruption allegations against government members that are ultimately proven false.
He rejected the notion that every public officeholder is corrupt, urging investigative authorities to abandon the belief that perpetuating allegations, even if unfounded, is necessary to remain relevant.
In essence, Mr. Dame stressed the importance of fairness, transparency, and accountability in the fight against corruption, advocating for a balanced and objective approach devoid of sensationalism or prejudice.
“The fight against corruption also requires honesty and integrity in the disclosure of results. There must be an avoidance of sensationalism by all parties involved; investigative bodies, civil society and the public. It augers well for the fight if the results of corruption allegations against public officers, particularly senior members of government which are refuted and unsubstantiated, are fully put out by investigative bodies.
“Investigative bodies must be honest and bold enough to disclose to the public the full results of investigations into allegations of corruption against members of the government which turned out to be untrue.
“This is one sure way to boost the confidence of the public in their government, reduce their suspicion, distrust, and cynicism with which the public views officeholders.”
“There is a truism that not every public officeholder is corrupt and investigative authorities must discard the view that the only way to stay relevant is by keeping the flame of allegation of corruption against public officeholders burning, even if same to journalists are unfounded and without basis.”