IERPP questions gov’t anti-corruption push after Parliament blocks GoldBod probe
The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP), has questioned the current NDC administration’s commitment to fighting corruption after Parliament rejected a request by the Minority to investigate GOLDBOD and the Gold-for-Reserves programme.
The institute maintained that government cannot “credibly” champion a new regime of accountability through the passage of Governance Advisory Council bill while blocking investigations into alleged losses at GOLDBOD.
On March 27, Parliament approved the Governance Advisory Council bill, which aims to create an independent body tasked with enhancing accountability, fighting corruption, and promoting human rights.
This Council is also expected to strengthen oversight and ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions.
However, on the same day, the Majority in Parliament dismissed a motion by the Minority calling for the formation of an ad hoc committee to investigate alleged financial losses at the GOLDBOD.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 29, IERPP described the development as both “disturbing and ironic,” arguing that it sends conflicting signals about the government’s commitment to transparency.
“IERPP finds the two scenarios to conflict with each other. If the advisory council has accountability as one of its core functions, why then is the government preventing GOLDBOD from being investigated?” it questioned.
It further pointed to specific concerns regarding reported losses of $214 million from GOLDBOD’s trading activities, questioning whether the government is attempting to cover up certain “infractions by the management of GOLDBOD” by refusing to allow the investigation.
“Why is GOLDBOD being protected from scrutiny? Why is the government hindering efforts to subject GOLDBOD to investigations with respect to the $214 million losses in its trading activities? What infractions have been committed by the managers of GOLDBOD that the government is afraid to let sunshine to be brought upon their activities?” it questioned.
The Institute warned that using parliamentary majority to block investigations could weaken public trust and cast doubt on the government’s stated commitment to transparency and accountability.
“The government is essentially wasting resources setting up anti-corruption outfits when these agencies will never be allowed the independence to fight corruption. The Governance Council becomes superfluous if the likes of GOLDBOD will be shielded from accountability by the same government
“These are worrying times if the government would use its huge numbers in Parliament to prevent GOLDBOD’s activities from being looked into. President Mahama is not walking his talk as far as the fight against corruption is concerned,” it added.
See Full Statement Below:
About The Author
