Our Achilles heel of accountability
Enforcing greater accountability has always been an Achilles heel for the Namibian government over the years.
Questions have been raised over whether there is indeed the political will and commitment to advance higher levels of accountability in government. One of the best ways to deepen our hard-won democracy is to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in both the public and private sectors. By doing so, citizens are given the necessary space to hold their leaders accountable, while continuing to demand increased space for public participation. However, there doesn't seem to be a strong parliamentary oversight accountability committee system, especially when it comes to the use of public resources. It is correct that we have great institutions such as the auditor-general's office, the ombudsman and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), on top of a functioning judiciary. From a good governance point of view, we have seen and read reports of auditors unearthing a number of inconsistencies in the financial dealings of many government ministries, agencies and offices, with millions unaccounted for or squandered.
This is clearly not encouraging and raises concerns about the sheer lack of accountability in the workplace, exacerbated by a lack of a decisive leadership. This begs the question whether our parliamentary oversight committees are really enjoying the support to carry out their work efficiently and in the interest of the nation. Parliament does not only exist to make laws, but equally plays an important role in holding the government and its ministers to account.
This is an oversight capability that must be maintained without fear or favour and in the best interest of the nation. It can therefore not be business as usual when public finances are in a mess and there no one to take responsibility. MPs must realise that they have the power to keep the executive accountable for their actions and policies that are supposed to ensure that public resources are used efficiently, effectively and equitably.
Questions have been raised over whether there is indeed the political will and commitment to advance higher levels of accountability in government. One of the best ways to deepen our hard-won democracy is to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in both the public and private sectors. By doing so, citizens are given the necessary space to hold their leaders accountable, while continuing to demand increased space for public participation. However, there doesn't seem to be a strong parliamentary oversight accountability committee system, especially when it comes to the use of public resources. It is correct that we have great institutions such as the auditor-general's office, the ombudsman and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), on top of a functioning judiciary. From a good governance point of view, we have seen and read reports of auditors unearthing a number of inconsistencies in the financial dealings of many government ministries, agencies and offices, with millions unaccounted for or squandered.
This is clearly not encouraging and raises concerns about the sheer lack of accountability in the workplace, exacerbated by a lack of a decisive leadership. This begs the question whether our parliamentary oversight committees are really enjoying the support to carry out their work efficiently and in the interest of the nation. Parliament does not only exist to make laws, but equally plays an important role in holding the government and its ministers to account.
This is an oversight capability that must be maintained without fear or favour and in the best interest of the nation. It can therefore not be business as usual when public finances are in a mess and there no one to take responsibility. MPs must realise that they have the power to keep the executive accountable for their actions and policies that are supposed to ensure that public resources are used efficiently, effectively and equitably.
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Namibian Sun
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