The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called for renewed commitment and collaboration among African Parliaments to tackle the growing threat of corruption on the continent.
Speaking at the opening of the 9th Biennial General Meeting of the African Parliamentarians’ Network Against Corruption (APNAC) in Accra, the Speaker described corruption as a “chameleon” that keeps evolving through technology and organized crime. He warned that corruption continues to drain Africa’s resources, undermine trust in leadership, and fuel poverty, while urging parliamentarians to lead the charge in restoring public confidence through integrity and transparency.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin highlighted key anti-corruption initiatives undertaken by Ghana’s Parliament, including the establishment of various oversight committees, the Ethics and Standards Committee, and a Commissioner of Standards to strengthen accountability.
He also mentioned the creation of the Citizens’ Bureau and the Anti-Corruption Department to enhance transparency, citizen engagement, and public oversight. The Speaker reaffirmed Parliament’s readiness to participate in the next phase of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption review, emphasizing that public trust is the foundation of democracy.
The President of APNAC and Speaker of the National Assembly of Benin, Rt. Hon. Louis G. Vlavonou, urged African legislators to remain steadfast in the fight against corruption and to promote integrity in governance.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, and representatives of both the Majority and Minority Leaders also encouraged members to uphold public trust and unity in pursuing Africa’s anti-corruption agenda.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to Speaker Bagbin and Speaker Vlavonou for their exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to the fight against corruption.
