Office of Accountability would not replace other institutions - Agyepong

Accra, July 24, GNA - The establishment of the Office of Accountability under the Office of the President is not to replace any of the constitutionally mandated bodies to fight corruption in the public sector but an internal self-correcting mechanism.

Mr Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Press Secretary to President John Agyekum Kufuor, who announced this on Thursday, said it was a complementary body to help government take decisions and not to prejudice any action that could be taken by any of the bodies established under the Constitution to fight corruption in the public sector.

Speaking to the Presidential Press Corps at the Castle, Osu, Mr Agyepong, who is also Presidential Spokesman, said the establishment of Office showed President Kufuor's genuine commitment to reduce the abuse of office by government appointees and public servants.

He said it was significant to have an early warning mechanism, an internal one to ensure that the code of ethics set up for government appointees were adhered to by way of their public conduct, to be humble, selfless and lead exemplary lives.

A statement signed by the Chief of Staff, Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, last Friday, announced the establishment of the Office by President Kufuor. Mrs Florence A. Sai, an expert in consumer economics and public policy, chairs the three-member Office.

Other members are Professor Yaw Twumasi, a Political Scientist and Alhaji Sumaila Abdul Wahab, Chief Executive of the Muslim Relief Association (MRA).

Organs established under the Constitution to deal with corruption in the public sector are: Serious Fraud Office (SFO); Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Auditor-General's Department.