Intensified anticorruption efforts implemented in cooperative societies by MoSA
In a bold move to safeguard the financial health of cooperatives and combat corruption, the Ministry of Social Affairs, under the leadership of Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, has taken decisive action against misconduct in cooperative societies.
The ministry's efforts are aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability, with a focus on addressing all forms of misconduct. This commitment is evident in the strengthening of field inspection teams, who are now conducting daily visits to cooperative branches and supermarkets.
In a significant step towards modernisation, the ministry is implementing a fully automated system for financial and administrative oversight. This system, set to be integrated into a central control room by the end of this month, will enable "smart monitoring" across all cooperative operations, supporting a shift towards data-driven decision-making.
The ministry's actions have not gone unnoticed. In a separate operation, the Ministry of Interior dismantled a bribery network involving 19 suspects, including five cooperative union members, six commercial companies, and 14 employees and intermediaries.
Since Dr. Al-Huwailah took office in May 2024, the ministry has issued 16 decisions targeting mismanagement in cooperatives. These decisions have led to the dismissal of 51 members from 10 different cooperative societies. Violations that harm financial integrity, jeopardise shareholder funds, or undermine public trust will not be tolerated.
The ministry views the funds of cooperative societies as a public trust and is determined to protect them. The ministry's field inspection teams regularly report their findings to ministry leadership for further action. The ministry is also actively correcting past mismanagement in cooperative societies and guiding cooperative boards to adhere strictly to the law.
While specific details about the nature of the financial and administrative violations have not been disclosed, it is clear that the ministry is committed to maintaining the integrity and transparency of the cooperative sector. This commitment is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to combat corruption in the sector, ensuring a more secure and trustworthy future for cooperatives and their members.
The ministry's new automated system for financial and administrative oversight is a significant step towards modernization in business, aiming to ensure transparency and accountability within cooperatives. The ministry's actions, including issuing decisions targeting mismanagement, show a clear focus on improving the financial integrity of business operations in cooperative societies.
