In the aftermath of Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report, Namibia, maintaining its position at 59th with a score of 49, is under heightened scrutiny from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).
Graham Hopwood, the Director of IPPR, stresses the necessity of sweeping reforms across key sectors to address persistent corruption challenges.
Namibia’s stagnant CPI ranking reflects stability but underscores the imperative for substantial progress in the fight against corruption.
Hopwood, therefore, specifically advocates for comprehensive measures in crucial areas.
The country is urged to fully implement the Access to Information Act, enhancing openness within the public sector.
Additionally, bolstering safeguards under the Whistleblower Protection Act is highlighted as a critical step to encourage reporting and uncovering corruption.
The IPPR emphasises Namibia’s participation in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) as essential for governing oil, gas, and mineral resources with globally accepted standards.
Transparency in beneficial ownership is flagged as imperative, urging Namibia to establish central registers accessible to various stakeholders, contributing to the prevention and detection of corruption.
Political financing transparency is underscored, with the IPPR urging Namibia to align with stipulations in the Electoral Act, ensuring openness in funding for political parties.
Lastly, a systematic and transparent process for the declaration of assets by public officials is recommended, fostering accountability and deterring corruption.
In support of Transparency International Iceland, the IPPR emphasises the collective responsibility to address the aftermath of the Fishrot scandal, reinforcing Namibia’s commitment to combat corruption and enhancing its global standing in integrity across multiple sectors.
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