Good governance is a critical component to improving Africa's economic growth and overall socio-economic development.
For African countries to make greater development, there is a need to build strong partner in shaping policies when issues of global security and economic growth are so intimately linked to its own stability and development. Experts agreed that good governance is sine qua non to fostering economic development.
In view of this, African countries need to promote stability and development in the region and promote free trade in a borderless region to be able to achieve this set target goals.
Without good governance, the State's resources cannot be effectively administered to provide the much-needed basic services such as road infrastructures, agriculture, education and health-care services, among a host of other vital services.
In our yesterday’s editition, we published a story in which the Office of the Vice President (OVP) validated its first comprehensive policy aimed at enhancing its operational efficiency and accountability across all sectors.
This newly established policy sets a transformative framework for the Vice President's Office, and couldn’t have come at a better time than now amid alleged corruption especially in government.
Though, it is not merely a document but a testament to the country’s commitment to enhancing efficiency, accountability, and strategic foresight within the Office of the Vice President.
The validation of this important document is laudable and we only hope that the policies and the new sets of rules it embodies are translated into action.
Let’s remember that corruption can be fought at different levels. And if government is serious about tackling this menace there is an urgent need to raise people’s awareness and consciousness of the dangers of corruption and its harmful effects on their societies.
Also, there is a need to put in place proper mechanism such as awareness-raising campaigns, capacity building and heavy penalties for individuals involved in corrupt practices. Without such stringent measures, it will be difficult to tackle corruption especially in countries where it is gaining ground.
Since the ushering in new democratic dispensation in 2017, there has been widespread discoveries involving corrupt dealings and some instant involving high office holders. Yes, the government has taken stringent measures to crush this cankerworm, but it appears, more collaboration is needed to combat this growing menace.
The current digitalization taking shape in most government ministries would help stem the scourge corruption by providing governments with new platforms for engaging with citizens and entrepreneurs.
It also promotes greater transparency and accountability by facilitating access to information. Now, many African countries are using this opportunity to improve service delivery and governance in a variety of ways.