As Papua New Guinea prepares to celebrate its 51st Independence Anniversary, concerns over ongoing corruption highlight the challenges the nation faces in achieving sustainable growth and development.

In his Independence message, ICAC Acting Commissioner Don Sawong emphasizes that building a stronger, fairer PNG requires collective responsibility and unwavering commitment to integrity.

Commissioner Sawong reflects on the nation’s journey, noting that Papua New Guinea declared independence 51 years ago amid hope for a brighter future.

Despite remarkable progress, many citizens have become professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, and infrastructure development has advanced, but corruption remains a significant obstacle.

He explains that corruption diverts public resources, denies opportunities to the needy, and hampers essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

He stresses that fighting corruption is a shared duty.

“This is not just a government issue; it’s about every Papua New Guinean standing up for integrity and accountability,” Sawong asserts.

He urged citizens to reject bribery, avoid using personal connections for unfair advantages, and refuse to support dishonest practices just because they benefit someone they know.

He further calls on citizens to uphold integrity in their daily lives, highlighting the importance of individual choices.

“Sometimes integrity requires courage. It means saying no when everyone else is saying yes. It means refusing to take what does not belong to us and doing the right thing even when nobody is watching. These small choices shape our nation’s future,” he explains.

The commissioner emphasizes that these everyday decisions collectively influence PNG’s development, and the role of public officials and political leaders are critical to the country’s progress in growth and development.

“When we accept public office, we accept a duty to serve. Public resources are not our personal property; they belong to the people of PNG. Leaders must trust with responsibility, not use authority for personal gain,” he states.

He further notes that the creation of ICAC was a response to the harmful impact of corruption but the fight must be a collective effort involving government, businesses, and citizens.

“We need leaders who prioritize the public interest, honest businesses, and citizens who refuse to accept corruption as normal,” he affirms.

As the nation reflects on over five decades of independence, Sawong calls on everyone to actively participate in shaping PNG’s future.

“This future will not happen by itself. We must build it. Our founding fathers gave us independence. The responsibility to build on that legacy now lies with us. One day, we will pass this country to the next generation. The question is: what will we leave behind?”

He concludes with a message of pride and responsibility, “Let us celebrate our independence with a renewed commitment to integrity and accountability. Together, we can shape a PNG that our children and grandchildren will be proud of.”

Happy 51st Independence Anniversary, Papua New Guinea!