The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has called on government appointees in the region to uphold integrity and professionalism in the performance of their duties and resist all forms of corruption.

He cautioned against unethical behaviour, warning that appointees must not allow themselves to be influenced by inducements from office staff, consultants, or other stakeholders.

Addressing District Chief Executives (DCEs), Presiding Members, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and development partners at a Regional Coordinating Council meeting in Bolgatanga on Monday, May 26, Mr. Atanga expressed deep concern over what he described as widespread corruption not only among politicians but also among technocrats.

“Sometimes when we talk about corruption, we focus only on the politicians. But the technocrats are also part of it,” he said.

“We politicians are not the only corrupt people—you technocrats are also corrupt. You show us the tricks; you show us how to manipulate documents. The politician doesn’t manipulate any documents,” he stated.

Mr. Atanga challenged the perception that corruption in public service is driven solely by politicians, arguing that technocrats often play an instrumental role in facilitating unethical practices behind the scenes.

He emphasized that curbing corruption requires a collective effort and urged all public officials to align with the government’s renewed anti-corruption stance.

According to the Minister, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, the government has introduced a Code of Conduct and Ethics to guide the behaviour of public officials and reinforce accountability.

“There is no room for corruption in the NDC government, particularly regarding the smuggling of subsidised fertilizers,” he noted, referencing recent concerns about the illegal diversion of inputs meant to support farmers.

The Minister urged all stakeholders to take the code seriously and work together to ensure transparency and good governance at all levels of administration.