Don�t Appoint MPs As Ministers

The Deputy Brong Ahafo Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Michael Amponsah has called for a constitutional amendment in the appointment of majority of Members of Parliament (MPs) as ministers of state. He opined that the appointment of majority of MPs does not give the legislators, who are mandated by the constitution, a strong political will to probe the executives devoid of favouritism. The NCCE Director was speaking to the media in Sunyani about the manner in which corruption has taken centre stage in the Ghanaian society. Mr. Amponsah stressed that the practice whereby legislators serve as members of the executive makes it very difficult for the lawmakers to expose the corrupt practices of their colleagues. He observed that the rate of corruption in the country is increasingly damaging the integrity of the people, as well as undermining democratic governance, adding that until we eradicate the canker, it will be very difficult to promote the welfare of the citizenry effectively. Mr. Amponsah consequently attributed the unfortunate trend to institutional weakness in the country coupled with a general apathy towards the fight against corruption. He said many hold the view that it is only when you give money or gift to public officers that you engage in corrupt act. According to the Deputy Regional NCCE Director, the time has come for the government to take the bull by the horn to strengthen institutions like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to make them more resourceful and efficient. He noted that these institutions need logistical reform, strong human resource base and motivation in diverse ways to boost the morale of the personnel to deliver. He also called for strong international partnership with the outside world to crackdown on individuals who conspire with other foreign bodies and individuals to pursue their selfish interest to the detriment of the country. Mr. Amponsah noted that effective collaboration with international agencies like the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), the World Bank and other international banks will help clamp down on the activities of the criminals. He further called for intensive education, particularly by the media so as to sensitize the public to realize that the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility.