By Francis Chipalo
CABINET has approved in principle to the introduction of the Bill in Parliament to amend the Anti- Corruption Commisson (ACC) Act No. 3 of 2012.
Chief government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says this is so as to align it with the objective of the national policy on Anti- Corruption and the constitution, as well as strengthen the legal framework for countering corruption and further enhance corporate governance of the commisson.
Mweetwa says the decision was arrived during the 17th special cabinet meeting held on the 19th and 20th of September 2024 and chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema.
He explains that the current ACC – Act is inadequate in many areas, to effectively prevent, prosecute and punish corruption.
Mweetwa has disclosed to Lusaka radio news in a statement that Cabinet has decided to amend the current Act in order to address weaknesses by strengthening penalties, prevention, investigations and enforcement mechanisms against corruption – related crimes.
The minister adds that the amendment will also contribute to an effective public finance management system critical to the national economic transformation agenda by promoting transparency and accountability in public and private bodies.