Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has ordered the country’s corruption watchdog to investigate PNG Ports, the state-owned company responsible for the management of Papua New Guinea’s ports and maritime services.
The move comes amid allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the company, which has been the subject of numerous controversies in recent years. Marape has made it clear that he is committed to rooting out corruption in the country, and that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law.
The investigation will be conducted by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), which was established in 2019 to investigate corruption in the public sector. The ICAC has broad powers to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption, and its establishment was seen as a major step forward in the fight against corruption in Papua New Guinea.
PNG Ports has been the subject of controversy for a number of years, with allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and nepotism swirling around the company. In 2017, the company was accused of awarding contracts to companies with close ties to government officials, leading to calls for an investigation into its activities.
More recently, the company has been accused of mismanaging the country’s ports and failing to invest in infrastructure and equipment. This has led to long delays and congestion at the country’s ports, which has had a significant impact on the country’s economy.
Marape has made it clear that he will not tolerate corruption in any form, and that he is committed to ensuring that Papua New Guinea is a fair and just society. He has already taken a number of steps to tackle corruption in the country, including the establishment of the ICAC and the introduction of new anti-corruption legislation.
The investigation into PNG Ports is likely to be a complex and lengthy process, and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be. However, Marape’s decision to order the investigation sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated in Papua New Guinea, and that those who engage in corrupt activities will be held accountable.
Ultimately, the success of the investigation will depend on the ICAC’s ability to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, and to prosecute any cases of corruption that are uncovered. If successful, the investigation could pave the way for further efforts to root out corruption in the public sector, and to ensure that Papua New Guinea is a fair and just society for all.
