Corruption - A social disease (Part 91): How to centralise corruption coordination
A central focus point should mobilise, coordinate and control institutions in a synchronised and effective anti-corruption drive for optimum impact.
Central points of coordination, such as a credible anti-corruption agency that is independent from political influence are required. This agency must report directly to a board elected by and comprised of members of the public with the proper qualifications, without active political involvement and excluding public servants, or must report to parliament (unlike the Namibian Anti-Corruption Commission, that reports to the Prime Minister). Such an agency can coordinate all units that investigate and monitor corruption in the country. This coordination and mobilisation also include institutions at sub-national level.
BEST PRACTICES
The Hong Kong and Singapore anti-corruption agencies are examples of best practices of centralised anti-corruption units.
Based on these examples, potential focus points can include awareness (public relations), prevention (knowledge and skills development, e.g. a coordinating institute for research and publications) and enforcement (prosecution). As part of the public awareness campaign, information can be disseminated about how corruption acts as a "tax" or additional cost that inflates prices.
Based on the example of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong, the central agency should have excellent relations with stakeholder institutions, including public institutions and citizen groups, because they depend on them for information, monitoring and reporting (the formalising of transparency).
Namibia should create sub-national control points at regional and local government level for coordinating, monitoring and controlling corruption. Sub-national control points should be under control of the central anti-corruption coordination unit. This unit should report directly to parliament and be independent from the influence of the government of the day.
References
Rose-Ackerman, S. 1999. Corruption and Government: Causes, Consequences, and Reform. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
[email protected]
Central points of coordination, such as a credible anti-corruption agency that is independent from political influence are required. This agency must report directly to a board elected by and comprised of members of the public with the proper qualifications, without active political involvement and excluding public servants, or must report to parliament (unlike the Namibian Anti-Corruption Commission, that reports to the Prime Minister). Such an agency can coordinate all units that investigate and monitor corruption in the country. This coordination and mobilisation also include institutions at sub-national level.
BEST PRACTICES
The Hong Kong and Singapore anti-corruption agencies are examples of best practices of centralised anti-corruption units.
Based on these examples, potential focus points can include awareness (public relations), prevention (knowledge and skills development, e.g. a coordinating institute for research and publications) and enforcement (prosecution). As part of the public awareness campaign, information can be disseminated about how corruption acts as a "tax" or additional cost that inflates prices.
Based on the example of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong, the central agency should have excellent relations with stakeholder institutions, including public institutions and citizen groups, because they depend on them for information, monitoring and reporting (the formalising of transparency).
Namibia should create sub-national control points at regional and local government level for coordinating, monitoring and controlling corruption. Sub-national control points should be under control of the central anti-corruption coordination unit. This unit should report directly to parliament and be independent from the influence of the government of the day.
References
Rose-Ackerman, S. 1999. Corruption and Government: Causes, Consequences, and Reform. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
[email protected]
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