New Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) figures, released on 11 February 2025 by Transparency International, highlight Papua New Guinea’s failure to deal with widespread corruption.

PNG is classified as having a ‘high perceived risk of corruption’ with ‘no meaningful progress’ in anti-corruption efforts. PNG is the worst ranked country in the Pacific region and ranks 127th out of 180 countries globally.

PNG’s failure in addressing corruption challenges underscores the findings in a new report release by ACT NOW! on the performance of District Development Authorities (DDAs). The report, which is based on an analysis of the data published on the DDA Watch website, reveals widespread failures in transparency, governance, and financial accountability among all 93 DDAs.

The report highlights missing plans and financial reports, a lack of public engagement, and a complete absence of oversight, raising serious concerns about the management of District Service Improvement Program (DSIP) and District Infrastructure Program (DIP) funds.

According to Cathy Tukne, Communications Coordinator for ACT NOW!,  the findings are alarming and highlight a severe breakdown in governance at the district level. She emphasized the urgent need for systemic reforms, stating:

"The lack of accountability and public engagement by DDAs is deeply concerning. With millions in public funds allocated annually, citizens deserve access to key documents and direct communication with their district leaders. If accountability measures are not enforced, the risk of mismanagement and corruption will only grow, further damaging PNG’s CPI score."

Key Findings from the Report:

1. Severe Lack of Public Access to Key District Documents

• Only 7 out of 93 DDAs have made their 2023-2027 Five-Year Development Plans public.
• No public records exist for Annual Budgets, Acquittal Reports, Inspection Reports, or Audit Reports.

2. Missing Contact Information:

• 48 DDA’s have no named CEO, and only 3 districts have an active email address and just 4 districts have an active phone number.
• 85 DDAs lack a postal address or website, limiting public access to district officials.

3. Inadequate Media Coverage:

• While 724 news articles were recorded on DDA activities over a 12 month period, most DDAs featured in the media less than 10 times and 7 Districts had zero media presence.

4. Failure to Submit Financial Acquittals & Audits

• No audit reports were published for any DDA
• 40 DDAs announced submission of financial acquittal reports, but none were made public.
• 69 DDAs have yet to submit acquittals for 2022-2023, raising concerns over fund mismanagement.

Recommendations
To improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, ACT NOW! calls for the following immediate actions:

• Full Public Disclosure of District Documents – All DDAs must publish their 5-year development plans, annual budgets, financial acquittals, and inspection reports.
• Increased Audit Oversight – The Auditor General’s Office (AGO) must be adequately funded to conduct independent audits of all DDAs.
• Improved Public Engagement – Citizens should demand transparency from DDAs and actively engage with the DDA Watch platform.
• Strict Funding Conditions – The Department of Finance should withhold DSIP/DIP funds from districts failing to publish key financial documents.
• Leadership Accountability – The Ombudsman Commission must investigate and act against CEOs and DDA Board Chairs who fail to meet governance and reporting standards.
• Empowering Citizens – Communities must hold their district leaders accountable by actively engaging with DDA Watch and reporting governance failures.
• Strengthening Oversight Agencies – Institutions such as the Department of Implementation and Rural Development (DIRD) need enhanced monitoring capabilities to track DDA performance.