Whistleblower Protection Bill: Key Provisions

Payment of Rewards

The Whistleblower Reward Fund will be used to pay rewards to individuals who make disclosures that lead to the conviction or recovery of money. Payments from the fund shall be made within a period not exceeding three months from the date the payment is approved.

• Each payment issued from the fund must be signed off by the Minister.
• The Ministry responsible for the fund will maintain books of accounts and proper records in accordance with the Auditor General’s approval.

Accounting and Audit

The Ministry responsible for the fund will maintain:

• Books of accounts
• Proper records

in accordance with the Auditor General’s approval. The Minister will submit the fund’s accounts to the Auditor General for audit within three months after the end of each financial year. The Auditor General shall complete the audit within three months after receiving the accounts.

Annual Report

The Minister will submit an annual report to Cabinet covering:

• Activities and operations of the fund for the year in question
• Report of the Auditor General

The report will be laid before the House of Assembly by Cabinet within one month of its receipt.

Regulations

Cabinet may make regulations as necessary or expedient to ensure the proper implementation of this Act, including provisions for:

• Further disclosure procedures
• Persons who can receive disclosures
• Measures for effective implementation

Background

The Whistleblower Protection Bill aims to provide a framework for individuals to disclose information about unlawful or corrupt practices in the public interest. The bill also seeks to protect whistleblowers from victimization and to establish a fund to reward those who make disclosures that lead to convictions or recoveries.

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