PNG launches Mobile phone text messaging program to fight corruption

A mobile phone text messaging program  has been launched at the Papua New Guinea's Finance Department to expose the malpractices, mismanagement and corruption.

For the next 5 years, staffs from the department are simply to text the number, 16321, and report any suspicious acts of corruption.

Acting Finance Secretary Doctor Ken Ngangan said this program has come into play to stop the growing practice of corruption with public money.

This initiative is a joint partnership between United Nations Development Program, the Australian and PNG government to fight the abuse of public money at the Finance department.

Acting Finance Secretary, Doctor Ken Ngangan, said this program will not put an end to corruption in the department, however, said it will definitely minimize it.

The Provincial Capacity Building Enhancement Program, promotes good governance, accountability, transparency, and reinforces internal financial controls.

The text messages will be sent to 1632 at no cost. Incidents of corruption will be text to this number.

The senior management also questioned the hundred percent anonymity program.

The five year program aims to furnish up the finance department’s internal controls, auditing process, accountability, good governance and most importantly staff confidentiality.

Staffs present commended the program, saying it will definitely assist them to blow the whistle on corruption, without being directly affected. 

PNG Today/EMTV