At opening of C’wealth anti-corruption confab: Gov’t drums synergy, innovative solutions to combat corruption.

She made the appeal in Yaounde Monday, while opening the 16th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa, on behalf of the Head of State, Paul Biya.

Several members of government, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organisations, and heads of anti-corruption agencies from 20 countries in Commonwealth Africa among others, attended the opening. 

The weeklong gathering is holding under the theme: "Deploying Artificial Intelligence in the fight against corruption in Commonwealth Africa”. 

Opening the confab, Minister Mbah Acha said corruption has evolved and must be confronted with sophisticated technology-driven solutions.

She said President Biya has remained steadfast in his vision for a modern, transparent and accountable administration.

Mbah Acha detailed that Cameroon has over the years made significant reforms to modernise public administration through digital transformation, strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms and improve governance.

She said government has prioritised digitalisation among its strategies to enhance transparency, efficiency and accountability, as well as intensified anti-corruption efforts through robust institutional and legal framework. 

Biya’s representative detailed that despite tangible progress made, more still needs to be done.

“The government remains committed to ensuring that acts of corruption are effectively investigated and sanctioned in accordance with the rule law,” she stated. 

Collective, coordinated response required

Minister Mbah Acha said the conference will ultimately foster good governance, characterised by accountability, and transparency.

“Corruption is a transnational phenomenon that requires collective and coordinated responses. This conference provides a valuable platform to share best practices and innovative solutions,” the minister said.

Through the continental gathering, she said challenges will be addressed, regional and international cooperation strengthened; alongside the responsibilities of Artificial Intelligence in governance systems. 

“Cameroon stands ready to learn from others and to contribute in this collective endeavor,” she stated. 

Enter CONAC boss

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, CONAC, Rev Dr Dieudonne Massi Gams, explained that corruption remains a “complex phenomenon” which “requires coordinated efforts” to effectively fight it. 

The CONAC boss emphasised that Cameroon is fully committed to promoting good governance and has taken great steps in combating corruption over the years.

He, however, bemoaned the fact that despite concrete efforts made, corruption and similar offences continue to wreak havoc in society.

Rev Dr Massi Gams disclosed that in 2024, the commission received 10,520 reports. He added that the financial loss suffered by the State of Cameroon as a result of corrupt practices was estimated at over four billion FCFA.

“Cameroon has high expectations from this conference…we hope the outcome will be innovative and practical solutions to enhance our capacity to fight corruption thereby ensuring our country’s development and the well-being of our people,” the CONAC boss said.

Massi Gams said the theme, “beyond its relevance to current affairs”, will undoubtedly enable participants to better safeguard themselves against the malicious use of Artificial Intelligence and leverage its effectiveness in fighting corruption and promoting best practices.

“We achieve more when we work together”

The Head of Public Sector Governance at the Commonwealth Secretariat in the United Kingdom, UK, Dr Roger Koranteng, said technology is reshaping governance and accountability and public service. 

He said AI offers new tools, insights, and opportunities to combat corruption.

“We have noticed that the world is moving towards Artificial Intelligence,” he said, noting that focus will be on using AI tools to deal with corruption.

“We are on the same continent. We have the same challenges in fighting corruption. Countries have different experiences. Some are doing very well. Some are lagging behind. Some are in between. The best way to learn quickly is to come together,” Dr Koranteng. 

He said members will share their experiences, success stories and how to make significant progress. He stressed that "we achieve more when we work together". 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3780 of Tuesday May 05, 2026