Anti-Corruption Strategy for Provincial Government in Papua New Guinea

A comprehensive plan has been proposed to tackle corruption at the provincial level in Papua New Guinea. The strategy focuses on education and training as key strategies, with a goal of preventing corruption through public awareness campaigns and in-house training programs.

The Problem

The Ombudsman Commission has identified a significant gap in addressing misconduct by public servants at the provincial level. Few complaints are made against officials at this level, allowing corruption to go unchecked. Meanwhile, the Auditor General’s Office is responsible for ensuring proper management of public funds, but systematic corruption continues to impede economic growth and the equitable distribution of public goods.

The Solution

To address this issue, an Integrated Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has been proposed. Funded by the national government and institutionalized in every province, the ICAC will work towards preventing corruption through education and training programs.

Here are some key components of the strategy:

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns will be conducted to educate the general public about the dangers of corruption and the importance of good governance. This will include:
  • Public speeches
  • Short plays/dramas
  • Posters
  • Pamphlets
  • Radio broadcasts
• In-House Training: In-house training programs will be conducted annually for leaders and managers of public organizations, focusing on ethical conduct such as accountability, transparency, and honesty. The training program will focus on the seven principles of public life recommended by the Nolan Report.
• Special Education and Training for Civil Servants: Special education and training will be provided to civil servants aimed at developing an ethical framework within their organizational setting.

Why Education and Training Matter

Experts agree that a strategy based on education and training will prove an effective way of addressing corruption at the provincial level. By educating the public about the dangers of corruption, we can prevent petty corruption within bureaucratic organizations. If implemented across all 19 provinces in Papua New Guinea, corruption is likely to diminish as the public becomes more involved in the fight against it.

Conclusion

The proposed anti-corruption strategy for provincial government in Papua New Guinea focuses on education and training as key strategies. With a comprehensive approach that includes public awareness campaigns, in-house training programs, and special education and training for civil servants, we can prevent corruption and promote good governance at the provincial level.