BY TEWODROS KASSA
Currently, corruption has become a severe problem in most developing countries. The impact of corruption increases as the level of accountability is limited and the government’s measures on the issue are lower. Most countries like China have registered promising changes through controlling corruption. Thus, understanding the massive damage of corruption, different countries are showing a genuine commitment to fight corruption and cultivate a strong sense of accountability among the new generations.
By considering corruption and its adverse impact to the overall social, economic and political development of the nation the Ethiopian government has taken several measures and introduced a new National Anti-Corruption Coordinating Committee aimed at fighting and exposing grand corruptions committed with some irresponsible officials. The newly organized committee sought to bear fruits since its initiation and citizens are also expressing their views optimistically and the National Anti-Corruption Coordinating Committee has reviewed the work done so far in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD).
Currently, the national anti-corruption committee which was established to coordinate its anti-corruption campaigns in November, 2022 is undertaking various measures to maintain accountability and rule of law.According to the office of the prime minister, thus far, a large number of corruption-related tips have been received from the public. The committee is having this examined and so far 110 investigation cases have been initiated.
As the National Anti-Corruption Coordinating Committee is doing its level best to fight corruption, higher educational institutions are also showing an increasing interest to fight corruption by conducting researches and support government`s effort in the area. On its recent external validation workshop that focused on corruption and brokerage, the Ethiopian Civil Service University (ECSU) Research and Community Service Division, indicated that beside the teaching-learning process higher education institutions have responsibilities to contribute their share so as to curtail corruption and related cases.
In this regard, Ethiopian Civil Service University (ECSU) Research and Community Service Division, Board Chairman Temesegen Burka (PhD) indicated that the ESCU has made a noble contribution to conducting research that would greatly benefit the country to overcome such pressing challenges. “We strongly recommend the government to take the research as input to improve its policies and successfully curtail corruption. As corruption harms the overall economy and the livelihood of citizens, meaningful involvement of all relevant actors is highly desirable.”
On his part, ECSU President, Prof. Fikre Desalegn, explained that the university has various partnerships with pertinent stakeholders to ensure social justice and contain corruption and other forms of malpractice. “Our study identifies corruption’s immense impact on Ethiopia’s overall development and our aim is to help the government’s efforts by providing policy inputs.”
Commenting on the issue to The Ethiopian Herald, ECSU Center for Ethics and Integrity Researcher Solomon Molla (PhD) stated that the introduction of a digitized revenue collection system would play a vital role in easing corruption and other related malpractices witnessed in the area. By the same token, it was reported that implementation of an online tax collection system is instrumental to contain corruption and other fraudulent practices and boost the government’s revenue, research conducted in the area recommended.
“Apart from the technological intervention, bringing to justice individuals taking in corruption is something worth equal consideration.” Noting the expansion of corruption into new areas including health and tourism, the researcher also pointed out that increasing awareness of the public and making them part of the solution would bring the desired outcomes. Putting strong legal measures on corrupted officials and other violators would also have a critical role in preventing the problem.
In sum, it is high time to investigate corruption issues and provide immediate solutions to the public grievances related to the issue. Moreover, active community mobilization is fundamental to control the grand corruption done by some irresponsible officials, investors, and individuals. Doing this immensely contributes to building a strong Ethiopia that ensures the equal and equitable use of resources and public services among every citizen.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2023
