– Warns public servants to hold firm on ethical duties or “face serious consequences”
Ganesh Mahipaul, who sits in the National Assembly in representation of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has issued an “urgent call” to all accounting officers working in the public sector to ensure accountability in the use of government funds during the lead up to the September 1 polls.
In a missive sent to Guyana Standard, Mahipaul said, “It has come to my attention that Ministers of the Government and other political employees are pressuring accounting officers to improperly release public funds for campaigning and political activities.” He highlighted that such reported behavior constitutes “blatant corruption and a gross abuse of the people’s resources.”
The politician wrote, “I wish to remind all Accounting Officers, including Permanent Secretaries and Regional Executive Officers, that the responsibility for safeguarding and accounting for public funds rests solely and squarely upon your shoulders. No Minister, political operative, or even the President will bear responsibility for any improper spending. You alone will face scrutiny and accountability.”
Mahipaul noted said that with the date for elections now set and campaign activities imminent, “I strongly advise all Accounting Officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Resist any unjustified demands to misuse public resources for partisan campaigning. Be firm in your resolve and explicitly tell Ministers and political functionaries: No, the money cannot and will not be used for campaigning.”
Signally real optimism that hi political party will assume governance following elections, Mahipaul said, “Let it be clear, corruption will not be tolerated. Any Accounting Officer complicit in diverting public funds for campaign purposes will face serious consequences. No Minister or political figure will be able to shield you from accountability, a reality you must clearly understand.”
“Protect the people’s money. Act responsibly, transparently, and courageously,” he charged.
