The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has called on technocrats in departments and agencies not to influence or assist politicians to engage in corrupt acts.
He said politicians were often tagged as corrupt, but blamed technocrats in departments and agencies for assisting them to perpetrate such corrupt acts, “We eye only politicians when we talk of corruption, but the technocrats are also part. We are not the only corrupt people; you are also corrupt.”
Mr Atanga indicated this when he was addressing a Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) meeting of Municipal and District Co-ordinating Directors, heads of public sector institutions and agencies, members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and key development partners in the Region.
The meeting provided a platform for exchange of ideas, networking among participants and collaboration between RCC members and heads of public sector agencies.
According to him, technocrats introduced politicians to corrupt acts, “You show us the tricks to get corrupt, you show politicians how to manipulate documents. The politician doesn’t enter any documents.
“They are assisted by the technocrats to steal,” he emphasised, and urged technocrats in departments and agencies in the Region not to assist any politician to steal.
Mr Atanga cautioned Municipal and District Chief Executives in the Region not to engage in acts that were detrimental to society, to their benefit, and gave the assurance that no political head would divert anything meant for the development of the Region.
Furthermore, the Minister noted that the mantle of leadership came with enormous responsibilities and opportunities, “We stand at a threshold of a new chapter that requires renewed commitment to serve with integrity, passion and a sense of urgency.”
He told the technocrats that the work ahead of them would come with challenges, but with their partnership, wise counsel and support, they could rebuild and reset the Region to a more peaceful and prosperous one.
Mr Atanga, who is the Chairman of REGSEC, note that without peace, the Region would not have education, healthcare, investment and meaningful development.
“The Upper East Region is rich in culture and tradition. But regrettably, we are not without security challenges; from land and chieftaincy disputes to mining conflicts and cross border concerns.
“The task before us is enormous, and we must work closely with our security agencies, traditional authorities, youth groups and civil society to consolidate peace, where it exists to restore it where it is fragile,” Mr Atanga mentioned. —GNA