Public servants asked to shun corruption

Bolgatanga (Upper East) 27 Jan. '99

Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, Upper East Regional Minister, has said that the practice of some public servants to demand favours for services they render to businessmen is inimical to the growth of the private sector. At a meeting of heads of departments, public boards and corporations in Bolgatanga, Alhaji Sulemana reminded them that it is an offence for government officials to solicit for any kind of reward before discharging the duties . The regional minister cited the signing of contract certificates, inspection of government projects, award of contracts and the supply of office equipment as some of the areas the practice is rife. He said the regional co-ordinating council, would not hesitate to bring in investigators from the Serious Fraud Office to look into any ''suspicious public expenditure''. The Regional Minister stressed that the economy depends on the development of the private sector and asked civil servants to help to lessen the burden on private entrepreneurs. "If this country is to move forward, we must all resolve to shun corruption and do what is expected of us in the most honest and open manner," he said' Alhaji Sulemana further asked heads of departments to ensure the judicious use of resources and to share those resources, particularly vehicles, with other needy establishments since they are all working in the national interest. The Minister called on department heads occupying duty- post bungalows to carry out regular maintenance work on the houses from their own departmental purse rather than relying solely on the Public Works Department (PWD) to undertake such renovations.