The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has underscored the importance of continuous dialogue and public engagement in tackling corruption.

Speaking on behalf of the Special Prosecutor at the 2024 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Administrators and Management Consultants (CIAMC), 24 July, Director of Strategy, Research, and Communication at the OSP, Samuel Appiah Darko, highlighted the importance of ongoing discussions in educating the public and promoting a culture of integrity.

“Although the topic of corruption may seem over discussed, its impact on our lives makes it an untiring topic. Perhaps, the appropriate time to stop discussing it would be when we decide to legalise corruption. Some argue that we need action, not talk. However, without talking about it, we cannot act” he remarked.

Speaking on the theme "What is Corruption and Why Talk About Corruption?" Mr. Darko outlined behaviours that constitute corruption, its impact on every citizen, and the importance of supporting the fight against corruption. He stressed that inaction robs us of collective benefits and jeopardises the future of our youth.

He further noted that the OSP is dedicated to partnering professionals in private and public entities to identify and address the root causes of corruption within their sectors. 

According to him, the collaboration may result in refining regulations, procedures, and administrative practices, closing gaps in internal controls, and boosting overall effectiveness, ultimately preventing corruption.

In demonstrating the Office’s commitment to raising awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption and the importance of integrity, Mr. Darko cited the Office’s public education campaigns and initiatives like the Youth Against Corruption (YAC) project, which focuses on youth education and plans to integrate an anti-corruption module into the educational curriculum.

According to him, “By instilling a strong sense of ethics and responsibility from a young age, we can cultivate a generation that values integrity and rejects corruption…The goal is to make the youth aware that the future depends on their involvement in the fight against corruption now, rather than later.”

He also mentioned the OSP's strategic plans to stem election-related corruption. 

"The OSP is firmly committed to combating corruption in public elections and has developed strategies to address and prosecute such incidents in the upcoming 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections," he said.

Mr. Darko received a citation of honour on behalf of the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng for his anti-corruption efforts. 
 

The conference brought together leading figures from various sectors, including Chairman of the Public Services Commission, Professor Victor Kwame Agyeman; Board Chair of CIAMC, Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI; Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah; and Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress, Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah.