Tonga’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is setting a strong precedent in transparency by openly publishing a comprehensive list of all gifts and benefits it receives.
The list had been recently released the same day Commissioner Chris LaHatte presented his four-year strategic plan to the public, which Kaniva News reported.
That news received favourable discussions among community members on Facebook.
Many expressed gratitude and excitement to see the long-awaited service finally in action, marking a new chapter in Tonga’s history of ongoing battle against the pervasive corruption that has plagued the nation for years.
The move is similar to that of organisations in New Zealand that provide the same services as ACC.
It aimed to expose how a board handles gifts and hospitality offered to its members, considering that it has profound implications for the trust placed in the governance of the entity concerned.
It also sets a precaution for commissioners and their staff that they should not accept gifts, benefits, or hospitality that would or might reasonably be seen to compromise their integrity by placing them under any obligation to a third party.
The list means the public can easily see which people or organizations have contributed to the ACC, fostering a greater sense of accountability and trust within the community concerning the Commission’s duties.
Publishing the list, the ACC said on its Facebook:
“Declaration
In the course of our duties as the Anti-Corruption Commissioner, we have received the following gifts, benefits or both, the value of which is recorded. The table below shows the bi-annual ACC gift and other benefit declarations”.
