The pursuit of virtuous circles of integrity is essential in fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within organizations. At the International Ombud Expo 2024, members of the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa (AAACoA) played a significant role in a panel discussion held under the theme, "Creating Virtuous Circles of Integrity." This event, which took place on Wednesday, 31 July 2024, brought together distinguished panelists who shared their insights and experiences in fostering integrity and combating corruption.
Session Highlights:
The session was moderated by Hon. Joseph Whittal, President of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) and Commissioner of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Accra, Ghana. His expertise and guidance were instrumental in steering the discussion towards impactful and actionable insights.
Panelists and Their Contributions
1. Dr. Roger Koranteng, Advisor & Head of Public Sector Government-Commonwealth Secretariat in London shared lessons of experience in creating virtuous circles of integrity and effectively fighting corruption. His international perspective added a valuable dimension to the discussion.
2. Ms. Botlhale Makgekgenene, Director General of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) in Botswana, provided insights into Botswana's strategies and successes in combating corruption, highlighting effective practices that could be emulated by other regions.
The panel discussion was an engaging and enlightening event, offering valuable insights into the different facets of integrity and anti-corruption efforts across various regions. The shared experiences and strategies provided a comprehensive understanding of how to create and sustain virtuous circles of integrity.
The Role of Strong Institutions:
On the last day of the Expo, Hon. Joseph Whittal, President of NANHRI and Commissioner of CHRAJ, highlighted the indispensable role of strong institutions in fostering integrity, promoting justice, and ensuring accountability within society.
The discussion emphasized the multi-faceted mandates of institutions such as the Ombudsman, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), and anti-corruption bodies, underlining their significance in upholding democratic values and human rights. Ombudsmen, NHRIs, and anti-corruption institutions are essential for promoting human rights, good governance, and a just society. These institutions must be well-resourced, independent, impartial, and forward-looking to effectively address human rights abuses and violations. Upholding principles of accountability, transparency, and fairness, these institutions contribute to a more just and equitable world for all.
This insightful discussion spearheaded by Hon. Joseph Whittal underscores the pivotal role of robust institutions in nurturing democratic principles and safeguarding human rights, ultimately paving the way for a more just and peaceful global society.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the panelists and attendees for their invaluable contributions. Your participation is vital in our collective mission to promote integrity and eradicate corruption.
