Many countries have instituted or are in the process of developing national integrity strategies. The formulation of anti corruption measures is critical to any government's attempt to fight corruption. We need to move away from declarations and policy statements, and pay greater focus on the underlying causes of corruption and on mutually supportive mechanisms between the government, private sector and organs of civil society. A successful national strategy must therefore, be comprehensive and must address corruption in its substantive, structural and moral dimensions. Secondly most of the anti corruption measures are bound to fail unless independent enforcement mechanisms are implemented to increase the likelihood of detection being detected and punished.
Enforcement is a critical component of any anti corruption strategy.
Investigations and prosecutions, and adjudicators must be given sufficient latitude which would enable them to carry out their functions in a transparent and independent manner. Their powers should also include lifting immunities that high level public officials may enjoy by virtue of their office as well as ability to enter into arrange- ments for international mutual legal assistance with other countries. The latter should include the possibility of punishing corrupt individuals outside a country's territory and where possible seizure and confiscation of assets obtained through corruption. Equally important is the fight against corruption is the need for institution building and public awareness. The public has had a legitimate interest in how public funds are being used and it is often affected by corrupt administration through either poor or highly cost services.