Ghana is set to become a beacon of hope in the fight against corruption as it prepares to welcome delegates from 21 Commonwealth African nations for a crucial conference aimed at sharing expertise, innovations, and success stories in combating corruption. The 14th Regional Conference and Annual General Meeting of the heads of anti-corruption agencies in Commonwealth Africa, slated for May 12 to 18, 2024, marks a significant occasion for collaborative efforts against this pervasive issue.
This gathering, not the first of its kind in Ghana but a continuation of a tradition initiated in 2014, serves as a pivotal moment for the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth African countries. Established in 2011, this network aims to foster cooperation and exchange knowledge among national agencies dedicated to rooting out corruption.
Organized by the Commonwealth Secretariat in partnership with Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and supported by other anti-corruption entities like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice and the Office of the Special Prosecutor, the conference promises to be a comprehensive platform for dialogue and action.
In anticipation of this event, a 13-member local organising committee has been inaugurated to oversee the meticulous planning and execution of the conference. Led by Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, the committee is tasked with advising on all facets of the event, from logistics and security to accommodation and programming. The committee’s composition reflects a broad representation from Ghana’s justice and security sectors, ensuring a multifaceted approach to the conference’s organization.
According to a report by Graphic Online, Commissioner of Police Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, the Executive Director of EOCO, highlighted the committee’s critical role in orchestrating what is expected to be a landmark conference in the annals of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s history. Addo-Danquah’s charge to the committee underscored the importance of a well-crafted programme and a robust security plan to guarantee the safety and success of the event.
The conference’s importance is further emphasized by the support pledged by the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Advisor and Head of Public Service Governance, Dr. Roger Koranteng, who has been instrumental in the establishment of anti-corruption institutions across the Commonwealth. His commitment to the success of the Accra conference underlines the international community’s dedication to combating corruption.
As Ghana gears up to host this significant event, the enthusiasm and dedication of the local organising committee, coupled with international backing, promise a conference that could pave the way for groundbreaking strategies in the global fight against corruption. This conference not only represents an opportunity for Ghana to showcase its commitment to transparency and integrity but also for Commonwealth African nations to unite in their resolve to create a corruption-free future.
