Corruption has been
identified as one the most important constraints to private sector
development and as one of the causes for the existence of large informal
sectors in developing economies.
The environment of doing
business has changed in recent years, urging the private sector to adopt
and comply with more stringent anti-corruption norms and standard such
as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). Adopted 16
years ago, the UNCAC is the paramount global framework for preventing
and combating corruption. It emphasizes a collective action of public,
private and civil society against this complex social, political and
economic disease that affect all countries. The Convention further
witnessed the declaration of 9th December as the International
Anti-Corruption Day (IACD). The IACD aims to continue awareness creation
to stem the effects of corruption.
To this end, the Alliance for
Integrity, the Private Enterprise Federation (PEF) and the Ghana
Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) in collaboration with the UK Ghana Chamber of
Commerce (UKGCC), American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AMCHAM),
Ghanaian-German Economic Association (GGEA), and the Global Compact
Network, seek to initiate an annual Private Sector Anti-Corruption forum
to enable the active participation of the private sector in the IACD.
The
forum will among other things create an opportunity for the private
sector to reflect on their commitment to the fight against corruption,
identify the challenges/obstacles to business integrity as well as adopt
measures to promote a responsible business conduct in Ghana, in the
light of the AfCFTA.
The forum will consist of a moderated panel
discussion hosting notable anti-corruption and business association
leaders to respond to a main speaker. The main speaker will set the pace
with a detailed presentation on the theme. The panel discussion will be
followed by a plenary discussion.
Who should attend
The
Anti-Corruption Day Business Integrity Forum on “Positioning for the
AfCFTA and the fight against corruption: the critical role of the
Ghanaian Private Sector” is open to business executives, policy makers
and representatives of business chambers, trade associations, MNCs,
professional bodies and civil society organizations.