News:
March 21, 2018
If the fight against corruption is to succeed, the proposed Right to Information Bill must make provision to include the private sector, Speaker of Parliament, Prof Aaron Michael Oquaye has suggested.
According to him corruption in the public sector is largely influenced by players in the private sector hence cannot be left out by the law which is aimed at making information readily available to help stem the canker.
He raised concerns that the Bill which is yet to be introduce to Parliament by its current form does not make provisions to allow the private sector including businesses, expatriate, consultants, business promoters among others to make information available to the public to help fight corruption.
He noted that there is symbiosis between private and public sector players for corruption.
The Speaker stated that the bill though a good one but is crafted to shield private entities and must be made compellable on private firms to make information available as well to help fight corruption.
Prof Ocquaye was speaking at the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC) 2018 Biennial General Meeting held in Accra.
The Speaker also took a swipe at the so-called big men in society including chiefs, pastors, political leaders who always intercede on behalf of criminals in society when they are arrested for wrong doings.
According to Prof Mike Oquaye such practice is affecting the legislature, government and the judiciary efforts in combating corruption in the country.
By Christian Kpesese/ ghanamps.com