By Samira Larbie
Accra, March 21, GNA - The European Union and Germany have initiated a three-year program aimed at fighting corruption in Ghana.
Labeled "Enhancing the Rule of Law and Combatting Corruption in Ghana," this €12.7 million project will run from October 2023 through September 2027 as part of the "Participation, Accountability, and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy" (PAIReD) program.
This initiative seeks to bolster Ghana’s judicial and law enforcement bodies, enhance accessibility to legal resources, and support civil society and the media in holding public officials responsible.
At the event kickoff, Mr. Jonas Claes, the Deputy EU Ambassador to Ghana, stated that the initiative would strengthen Ghana’s fight against corruption through improving institutional capabilities and establishing circumstances that discourage the abuse of authority.
He emphasized that this was vital since corruption weakened democracy, hampered economic development, and diminished public confidence.
"Team Europe’s collaboration with Ghana embodies our common aspiration for a community grounded in fairness, transparency, and equitable opportunities," Mr. Claes stated additionally.
He further stated that this initiative will provide Ghanaian institutions with the means to fight corruption efficiently while also giving citizens the ability to call for transparency.
Ms. Franziska Jebens, who leads the Cooperation Section at the German Embassy in Ghana, highlighted that combating corruption and promoting integrity are central priorities for Germany’s development collaboration efforts.
She pointed out that these principles are considered key quality standards and are put into practice both as standalone projects and as parts of broader good governance efforts, including the PAIReD program, an initiative that Germany has persistently backed in Ghana.
Mr. Joseph Whittal, the Commissioner at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), emphasized the significance of addressing the underlying factors behind corruption and taking steps to reduce chances for immoral behavior.
"The battle against corruption is not a sprint but a marathon," he emphasized, urging for sustained attention, cooperation, and public awareness.
Ms. Beauty Nartey, who serves as the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, expressed her appreciation for the support provided by the EU and Germany to civil society groups.
She highlighted the importance of governmental dedication and public activism to foster transparency.
“CSOs play a pivotal role in the fight against corruption,” she said, urging the public to “resist, reject, and report” corruption.
The initiative is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and executed by GIZ GmbH, working alongside Ghana’s Ministry of Finance.
The launch included important participants such as CHRAJ, the Attorney General’s Office, the Special Prosecutor’s Office, and EOCO.
Advocates against corruption such as the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), the Ghana Centre forDemocratic Development (CDD), the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) were also in attendance.
GNA
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