Ambassador Funna described the mandate of his Commission as one charged with the responsibility of identifying and protecting Government assets. He said, the Commission also ensures maintenance of a registry of Government assets and protect them from misuse. He however noted that the Commission has often faced with the challenge of ensuring that public officers and the general public comply with the provisions of the NAGPC Act. He said there are many cases of misuse and conversion of Government property by public officials and members of the public. He therefore called on the ACC to assist the NAGPC in areas of ensuring compliance in the protection of Government property.
One of the Commissioners of the NAGPC, Andrew Johnson, also expressed the need to strengthen the NAGPC Act to give them the powers to make ministries, departments and agencies of government manage Government resources well.
Commissioner of the ACC, Ady Macauley Esq., welcomed the move by the NAGPC, stating that “effective collaboration breeds success”. He made reference to the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, which mandates the ACC to use all means necessary to suppress and eradicate corruption. He said the Act also provides for the Commission to collaborate with other institutions to fight against graft. Commissioner Macauley spoke about his experience working with the NAGPC, stating that there are many Government property that are being lost through illegal means. He therefore expressed his unflinching support to the NAGPC’s call for partnership, especially so when the ACC also works to protect Government resources from abuse and misuse.
Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Shollay Davies, said the starting point for a partnership will be a memorandum of understanding between the two institutions. He said the ACC could lend its support in areas of enforcement and public education. Mr. Davies called on the NAGPC to conduct an extensive research of all Government assets in the country in order to get a comprehensive register.
The Chairman of the NAGPC was accompanied by Commissioners and senior officers of the Commission.