Uphold integrity, reject corruption – Upper East Minister Charges Appointees

The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has made an important call. He urged government appointees to maintain integrity and professionalism. They must resist all forms of corruption.

Mr. Atanga warned against unethical behavior. He said appointees should not be influenced by office staff or consultants. He spoke at a Regional Coordinating Council meeting in Bolgatanga on May 26.

He expressed concern about widespread corruption among both politicians and technocrats. “When we talk about corruption, we often focus only on politicians,” he said. However, he noted that technocrats are also involved.

Mr. Atanga stated that technocrats show politicians how to manipulate documents. “You technocrats are also corrupt,” he emphasized. He challenged the idea that only politicians drive corruption in public service.

He argued that technocrats play a key role in unethical practices behind the scenes. Curbing corruption requires a collective effort from all public officials, he added.

The Minister highlighted the government's renewed anti-corruption stance under President John Dramani Mahama. A Code of Conduct and Ethics has been introduced for public officials to follow.

“There is no room for corruption in the NDC government,” he stated. This includes issues like smuggling subsidized fertilizers meant for farmers.

Mr. Atanga urged all stakeholders to take the code seriously. He called for collaboration to ensure transparency and good governance at every level of administration.