Remembering And Celebrating December 9th In Ghana: International Anti-Corruption Day

It appears a wonderful opportunity to continue the fight on corruption has been missed but as the saying portrayed by the SANKOFA symbol suggests, going back to retrieve and make amends for any good cause is not a bad thing.

Consequently, Corruption and Fraud Audit Consortium of Ghana (CAFAC) wishes to join all the anti-corruption agencies, organizations and crusaders in Ghana to highlight the ideals of this wonderful day, talk a little about its history and conclude with the Secretary General of the United Nations message for 2014.

International Anti-Corruption Day has been observed annually, on 9 December, since the passage of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on 31 October 2003.

Background
The Convention states, in part, that the UN is:
"concerned about the seriousness of problems and threats posed by corruption to the stability and security of societies, undermining the institutions and values of democracy, ethical values and justice and jeopardizing sustainable development and the rule of law"

and delegates to the Convention the power to:
"promote and strengthen measures to prevent and combat corruption more efficiently and effectively... promote, facilitate and support international cooperation and technical assistance in the prevention of and fight against corruption… [and] promote integrity, accountability and proper management of public affairs and public property…"

Your NO counts campaign
The "Your NO Counts" campaign is a joint international campaign created by the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to mark International Anti-Corruption Day (9 December) and raise awareness about corruption and how to fight it.[3][4]

The 2009 joint international campaign focused on how corruption hinders efforts to achieve the internationally agreed upon MDGs, undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to human rights violations, distorts markets, erodes quality of life and allows organized crime, terrorism and other threats to human security to flourish.[4]

Secretary-General's Message for 2014
Corruption is a global phenomenon that strikes hardest at the poor, hinders inclusive economic growth and robs essential services of badly needed funds. From cradle to grave, millions are touched by corruption's shadow.

On this year's observance of the International Anti-Corruption Day, we call again on people everywhere to get involved in “Breaking the Corruption Chain”.

Next year the world will agree a new post-2015 sustainable development agenda. Our aim is to empower individuals and catalyse governments, the private sector and civil society to help lift millions out of poverty, protect the planet and achieve shared prosperity and dignity for all. Eliminating corruption and its harmful impacts will be crucial to our future well-being.

To dismantle corruption's high walls, I urge every nation to ratify and implement the UN Convention against Corruption. Its ground breaking measures in the areas of prevention, criminalization, international cooperation and asset recovery have made important inroads, but there is much more to do. Public services must uphold the highest standards of integrity and ensure that appointments are driven by merit. Public servants, as well as elected officials, must be guided by ethics, transparency and accountability.

The private sector also has a crucial role. Good behaviour is good business. Business groups can convert anti-corruption action into firm support for sustainable development.

I call on everyone to help end corruption, and come together for global fairness and equity. The world and its people can no longer afford, nor tolerate, corruption.

Ban Ki-moon
Hector O. Boham, President and CEO,
Corruption and Fraud Audit Consortium (CAFAC) of Ghana.

A word about CAFAC GHANA LIMITED
CAFAC is an anti-corruption agency dedicated to the education of auditors and other law enforcement professionals who specialize in the prevention, detection and deterrence of corruption.

Some of the courses it offers are Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Information Systems Auditor, Private Investigator, Certified Information Security Manager, Oil and Gas Accountant/Auditor.

For more information go to the website at cafacghana.com or send an email to cafactraining@gmail.com or email the president Hector O. Boham at hectoroboham@outlook.com.