Accra, Ghana – A delegation from the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption, led by its Chairperson, Ms. Seynabou Ndiaye Diakhate, paid a courtesy call on the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to assess Ghana’s implementation of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption. Ms. Diakhate emphasized the Board’s dedication to good governance and anti-corruption efforts, noting that the review is an obligation for all state parties and expressing confidence in Ghana’s commitment to these principles.
In response, Speaker Bagbin assured the delegation of Ghana’s unwavering resolve to combat corruption, a global challenge. He highlighted Ghana’s extensive efforts in this regard, stretching back even before the 1999 Anti-Corruption Conference in Durban, South Africa. The Speaker underscored Ghana’s active role in the international fight against corruption and detailed Parliament’s significant contributions to the legislative framework.
Speaker Bagbin cited the passage of several key anti-corruption laws by the Ghanaian Parliament, including the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959); the Witness Protection Act, 2018 (Act 975); the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989); the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) (Amendment Act, 2020 (Act 1079); and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044). He further noted the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Office within Parliament’s Legal Services and Governance subdivision, dedicated to enhancing Parliament’s role in promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Additionally, Parliament has created a Citizens’ Bureau to facilitate information exchange and collate views from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on matters of public interest. The establishment of the Petitions Committee also provides a mechanism for citizens to submit petitions to Parliament for redress through a Member of Parliament.
Speaker Bagbin asserted that “Ghanaians can attest that Parliament has played a vital role in the fight against corruption as a body.” Other members of the delegation included Madam Nadia Annove, Madam Yvonne Chibiya, Mr. Edem Senanu, Madam Martha Khungwa Munthali, Madam Stephanie Ndilmbaye, Prof. Francis Dodoo, Mr. Johnathan Gadan, and Madam Shamima.
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