LAUNCH OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR ANTI-CORRUPTION GROUP (PSACG)

The Private Sector Anti-Corruption Group (PSACG), an initiative of the UK Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC), has been launched by the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom in Ghana Ian Walker at the Movenpick-Ambassador Hotel in Accra with a strong speech and message on how corruption can affect development of Ghana.

The Chief Executive Officer of the UKGCC and board chairman of PSACG, Mr. Tony Burkson, said the reason why “we took this initiative is because we feel that the private sector has been missing in the fight against corruption and therefore, there is the need to get actively involved in the fight together with government and CSOs.”

EBO Executive Director and board member of PSACG: Nico van Staalduinen, mentioned that there is only one way to end corruption: EXPOSE, ENFORCE THE LAW, PROSECUTE AND CONVICT any corrupt individual

Among the audience attending the official Launch was the Deputy Special Prosecutor on Corruption Mrs. Cynthia Lamptey who fully agreed with that statement, and chairman of the Council of State Mr. Sam Okudzeto.

Over 30 heads of prominent private companies in Ghana met earlier this year at the maiden edition of a safe space forum in Accra to discuss the impact of corruption on their businesses in Ghana, and the reforms needed to curb the canker. The members revealed some subtle means used by the state regulatory and services institutions to force companies to oblige to corrupt demands.

According to PSACG, Ghana has adequate and stringent laws to regulate the conduct of businesses for the mutual benefit of the government and companies. They called for enforcement of these laws to serve as a deterrent to persons and organizations involved in the act.

To encourage reporting of corrupt acts, they also urged government institutions to sign on to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and also urged to take a critical look at the nation’s importation processes, where corruption is noted to be rife.

The members proffered other measures such as transparency of business processes, cultural change and fair remuneration packages as reforms needed to end corruption in Ghana.

Members of PSACG committed to complement the efforts of the government and civil society organizations in the fight against corruption. They also committed to reviewing their own codes of conduct, compliance, and ethics along with all other corresponding policies and procedures in order not to give any chance to corruption in their business operations.

The Private Sector Anti-Corruption Group is driven by the UK Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) with support from the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce, European Business Organization, the Ghana Netherlands Business and Culture Council, and the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana.

The overarching aim of PSACG is to add value to the efforts of businesses and local aspirations in Ghana to reduce corruption.