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1 – 10 of 65The media is described as a fourth estate of the realm due to its ability to frame and shape discussions on governance and provide a stimulus for fighting corruption. But is the…
Abstract
Purpose
The media is described as a fourth estate of the realm due to its ability to frame and shape discussions on governance and provide a stimulus for fighting corruption. But is the media really an effective tool for fighting corruption? This question arises due to the possibility of the media being used for propaganda, biased reporting and media owners’ and journalists’ engagement in corruption. The current study addresses the question by exploring the relationship between the media and corruption from the perspectives of Ghanaian justice and anti-corruption officials.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts a qualitative approach by interviewing justice and anti-corruption officials across three administrative regions in Ghana.
Findings
The results show that while justice officials describe the media as a medium for accusing officials unjustifiably and exaggerating the scale of corruption, anti-corruption officials believe the media helps to fight corruption. In addition to uncovering and exposing public officials’ corruption, the media is also a double-edged sword characterised by intra-vigilance: the media hold “their own” (i.e. journalists fighting corruption) accountable through criticism and exposure of wrongdoings.
Practical implications
The double-edged nature of the media can strengthen and enhance the fight against corruption because anti-corruption actors and journalists will be cautious as misjudgements or errors committed will not be overlooked or concealed by the media. Therefore, anti-corruption agencies in Ghana can collaborate with the media to uncover and expose corruption committed by public officials and even journalists or media owners.
Originality/value
This study is the first in Ghana to explore the relationship between the media and corruption from the perspectives of justice and anti-corruption officials. The approach, frameworks and methodology adopted in this study can be applied in similar studies in other countries on the African continent and beyond.
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The Supreme Court of Justice voted on March 12 to confirm her appointment. She obtained 18 out of 23 votes and will serve a four-year term. She was nominated by President Gustavo…
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB285997
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Abdo Benitez (in office 2018-23) faces charges of revealing state secrets. The motion was halted after the majority Honor Colorado faction of the Colorado Party left the session…
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB286366
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
The ruling conservative People Power Party (PPP) will take scant consolation from avoiding an opposition supermajority, as it needed a win to take control of the assembly and…
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DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB286397
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
VIETNAM: Sentence is designed to serve as an example
BRAZIL: Bolsonaro may face charges over vaccine claim
Mosab I. Tabash, Umar Farooq and Adel Ahmed
Due to an increase in energy demands, it has become vital to devise efficient energy policies. Literature has suggested multiple factors influencing the consumption of specific…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to an increase in energy demands, it has become vital to devise efficient energy policies. Literature has suggested multiple factors influencing the consumption of specific energy types. Among others, institutional quality (INQ) is another factor that can determine energy consumption. Given this, the current study aimed to investigate the impact of INQ on fossil fuel energy (FFE) and renewable energy consumption (REC).
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical analysis was conducted on 20 years (2000–2019) of data from South Asian economies, and regression among variables was established by employing the dynamic ordinary least square and fully modified ordinary least square models. The selection of both techniques is subject to the existence of cointegration identified by the Johansen cointegration test. Other pre-estimation techniques include cross-section dependence and unit root testing validating the estimation of coefficients in the long run.
Findings
The analysis mainly reveals the negative impact of INQ on FFE and the positive impact of INQ on REC. The authors further find the asymmetric impact of control variables including foreign direct investment inflow, economic growth, inflation rate, financial sector development and energy investment on the consumption of both types of energy.
Research limitations/implications
Given the positive influence of INQ on REC, it is recommended to focus on improving the efficiency of institutions specifically those that are directly linked with energy-related policies. A better INQ can ensure environmental sustainability by enhancing the consumption of renewable energy. Therefore, it is advised to exert more efforts to improve the INQ.
Practical implications
In view of the positive influence of INQ on REC, it is recommended to focus on improving the efficiency of institutions specifically that are directly linked with energy-related policies. A better INQ can ensure environmental sustainability by enhancing the consumption of renewable energy. Therefore, it is advised to exert more efforts for improving the INQ.
Originality/value
This study offers robustness to the empirical findings of existing literature on the INQ-REC nexus and complements the underdeveloped literature on the INQ-FFE relationship.
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Factors of production (labour, land, capital), technology and technical progress are usually cited as the main sources of economic growth and development. However, there are a…
Abstract
Factors of production (labour, land, capital), technology and technical progress are usually cited as the main sources of economic growth and development. However, there are a number of other factors that have a significant impact on the possibilities and extent of their use or their further improvement and development. These factors undoubtedly include the institutional environment, within which corruption is also a consideration. In this chapter, attention will be focused on the various institutional variables that are used to assess the quality of a country's institutional environment, including corruption. A number of studies have shown that a quality institutional environment and low levels of corruption are prerequisites for long-term economic growth. Using an analysis of individual indicators of the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGIs), published annually by the World Bank, supplemented by the Corruption Perception Index (published by Transparency International), we look at where Czechia has moved over the last decade or two in terms of institutional quality and corruption.
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Recent developments in the EU’s anti-corruption strategy have brought the EU closer to meeting the UNCAC’s objectives, i.e. the Proposal for a Directive on combating corruption…
Abstract
Purpose
Recent developments in the EU’s anti-corruption strategy have brought the EU closer to meeting the UNCAC’s objectives, i.e. the Proposal for a Directive on combating corruption (2023) and the Proposal for a Directive on Asset Recovery and Confiscation (2022). This paper aims to discuss these developments from the perspective of the UNCAC, to identify missing elements in the EU’s asset recovery mechanisms.
Design/methodology/approach
Critical approach towards EU anti-corruption policy (discussing the problems and solutions). Review of EU developments in asset recovery law.
Findings
There is a political will on the part of the EU to fight corruption through the rules enshrined in the UNCAC. However, improving EU law by introducing a new type of confiscation of unexplained wealth and criminalising illicit enrichment, without establishing convergent rules for the return of corrupt assets from EU territory to the countries of origin, cannot be seen as sufficient action to achieve the UNCAC’s objectives. In modelling mechanisms of the return of assets, the EU should search for solutions to overcome the difficulties resulting from the ordre public clause remaining a significant factor conditioning mutual legal assistance.
Originality/value
This paper discusses the possible input of the EU, as a non-State Party to the UNCAC, to advance implementing the UNCAC solutions on asset recovery by establishing convergent rules for the return of corrupt assets from EU territory to countries of origin.
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A major scandal involves a Malian national imprisoned on drug trafficking charges, which has implicated high-ranking individuals. The nature of the cases underlines both the depth…