Today, Papua New Guinea joins the global community in observing the International Anti-Corruption Day, a day dedicated to reaffirming our shared commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is marking this occasion through its 50 Days of Integrity Campaign, under the theme: “Let’s Build Integrity Together – 50 Years On.”
This campaign urges citizens, institutions, and organisations to take concrete steps to address corruption at all levels of society.
Inspired by the nation’s 50th anniversary, the campaign serves as a powerful reminder that building a corruption-free PNG requires collective responsibility and sustained action from every sector. It is a call to action for citizens, government bodies, and civil society to unite in the fight against corruption through collaborative efforts.
The campaign aims to raise awareness on the importance of collaboration among government bodies as mandated under the Organic Law on the Independent Commission Against Corruption (OLICAC) 2020, to assist the ICAC in delivering its core roles and functions. Key initiatives of the campaign include:
- Pledge polls on social media
- Commitment pledges from government agencies
- Podcasts on combating corruption and a
- Seven-part column series in the Post-Courier titled “Anti-Corruption 101”
The Anti-Corruption 101 column was a highlight of the campaign, featuring Mr Eluh’s insights on:
- Corruption trends and movements
- Types of corruption and their everyday manifestations
- Impacts on institutions and communities
- Practical ways to counter corruption
- The importance of reporting corruption
- Why International Anti-Corruption Day is a time for reflection
Mr Eluh concluded with a powerful message: “On a broader scale, the ICAC continues to strengthen its strategic partnerships with key government agencies and civil society entities through Memorandums of Understanding and engagement initiatives.”
One such initiative is the ICAC’s participation in the Department of Finance’s International Anti-Corruption Day event at Waigani today.
Speaking at the event, the ICAC Acting Commissioner Thomas Eluh emphasised on the significance of the ICAC’s mandate to work collaboratively with agencies such as the Department of Finance in preventing and combating corruption.
“Cooperation with the ICAC is not optional. It is a constitutional requirement, enshrined in law, and reflects the reality that corruption is widespread and deeply entrenched across institutions, societies, and communities,” Mr Eluh said.
He stressed that addressing the issue of corruption, requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach across all sectors. The Constitution grants the ICAC a clear mandate to prevent, investigate, and prosecute corruption-related offenses in close collaboration with other government bodies.
Mr Eluh highlighted that under the OLICAC, all government bodies and entities have a statutory duty to assist the ICAC in fulfilling its roles and functions.
“The Department of Finance plays a critical role in supporting the ICAC by monitoring financial transactions and implementing effective controls to prevent the misuse of public funds,” he said.
He further challenged public servants and public officials:
“This responsibility is not just institutional, it is personal. Every officer should reflect on the actions you have taken, through your role, to assist in preventing corruption.”
Every citizen has a role to play. If you suspect corruption report it to the ICAC. We treat every complaint with the highest importance and complete confidentiality.”
Together, let’s build a corruption-free Papua New Guinea—50 years on and beyond.
Report corruption through the following channels:
- In person: Central Government Office, Tower B, Melanesian Avenue, Waigani
- By post: PO Box 353, Vision City, Waigani
- Email: complaints@icac.gov.pg
- Phone: 300 7500
Complaint forms can be accessed here : https://www.icac.gov.pg/operations/