Petroleum Ministry Holds Anti-Corruption Workshop

The Ministry of Petroleum and its agencies, organised a two-day training workshop on the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP).

The workshop, which was held in Koforidua from July 29-30, 2016, was to introduce staff of the Ministry, and its Agencies to the background, process and development of NACAP, establish a better understanding of NACAP, underscore the centrality of the Ministry in oil and gas resource mobilization and anti-corruption.

It also examined the role of the Ministry and its Agencies under NACAP and build capacity in the use of the Monitoring and Evaluation tools for tracking progress of the implementation of NACAP among MDAs.

In attendance were, Benjamin Dagadu, Deputy Minister for Petroleum, Prof Thomas Mba Azabzaa, Chief Director for the Ministry, Richard Quayson, Ag Commissioner of CHRAJ, Ayamdoo Charles, Anti-Corruption Director CHRAJ, Fadil Rahman, M&E CHRAJ and representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum.

The Ag Commissioner of CHRAJ, during his presentation, indicated that the general role of NACAP was designed for implementation and reporting by all
Implementing agencies and organizations, including public sector organizations, private sector and not-for-profit organizations.

According to Mr. Quayson, NACAP is Ghana’s strategic response to corruption. He stated that, the plan was the national blueprint for fighting corruption in Ghana over a period of 10 years.

“The plan adopts a transformational and human rights based approach to fighting corruption. “The plan adopts a 3-pronged approach: Education/Building Capacity, Prevention and Deterrence” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister, Benjamin Dagadu, emphasized the importance of the workshop, stating that it was meant to equip participants with the requisite knowledge and also provide the background to the development, adaptation and implementation of NACAP.

He also commended the Working Group that was inaugurated by Government in December 2009, for successfully coordinating the development of NACAP.

The Minister in addition, indicated that corruption was a stain on society, an enemy of progress and undermines the very principles of democracy. He therefore urged participants to join the fight against corruption.