CONAC Chairman says corruption denunciations in schools increasing.

The CONAC boss was speaking in a recent interview he granted within the framework of a robust corruption free back-to-school campaign organised nationwide by the institution he heads. The campaign was organised ahead of the start of the new school year on September 9.

According to Rev Dr Massi Gams, the start of the new school year is usually a time when acts of corruption in the education sector multiply. He regretted that the face of corruption in the education sector is complex and varied, depending on the time of year.

“If we limit ourselves to the start of the new school year, we can cite the cash-for-place scheme in secondary schools, the exorbitant and unjustified amounts of Parents Teachers Association, PTA, fees, the misappropriation of these fees, the enrollment of pupils in the first cycle of secondary schools by means of corruption, the levying of illicit fees, and many other discrepancies fortunately sanctioned by the ministers concerned,” CONAC’s Chairman revealed.

He furthered noted that education plays a vital role in national life, hence it must remain sanctified.

“If there’s one environment that must remain healthy in all circumstances, it’s the education sector, because it’s the mould that shapes tomorrow’s leaders and citizens. If we want a corruption-free Cameroon, we have to invest today to spare the education sector from this gangrene,” Rev Dr Massi Gams underscored.

He added that: “It is for this reason that every year, in compliance with the organic text of CONAC which requires the institution to carry out actions to educate and raise public awareness of the fight against corruption, and to inform the public about anti-corruption prevention activities, we are committed to raising awareness throughout the education sector. This is to ensure that everyone behaves in an exemplary manner during the various educational activities, particularly during the back-to-school period”.

Efforts bearing sweet fruits

According to the CONAC Chairman, the campaign had as main aim to curb corruption and promote integrity in the education sector, particularly during the start of the 2024/2025 school year. 

“People are becoming more aware, resisting and denouncing acts of corruption and other unhealthy practices. Fear has changed sides and the corrupt no longer feel at ease. Corruption, which used to take place in the open during the start of the school year a few years ago, is now waning,” Rev Dr Massi Gams explained.  

“The increase in reports of corruption in the education sector during this period is proof of this. This is an opportunity for us to call on the various players in this sector not to remain silent in the face of abuses of which they may be victims or witnesses during this pivotal back-to-school period,” he stated. 

He continued by urging the public to judiciously use the communication tools made available by CONAC, notably the tollfree number, 1517, and the WhatsApp number, 658 26 26 82, to denounce corrupt acts and practices.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3219 of Wednesday September 04, 2024