CONAC boss President of C’wealth Africa anti-corruption agencies.

Massi Gams took over the helm of the AAACoA, at the end of the 16^th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa. 

The continental gathering held in Yaounde, from May 5 to 8, 2026; under the theme: “Deploying Artificial Intelligence in the fight against corruption in Commonwealth Africa”. 

It was attended by heads of anti-corruption agencies from 20 countries in Commonwealth Africa. 

It was during the closing ceremony of the high-level conference that Rev Dr Massi Gams was entrusted the top seat to steer the affairs of the organisation for the next 12 months. 

In his acceptance speech, Rev Dr Massi Gams said that the future of anti-corruption efforts in Africa will not be built by fear but by innovation, courageous actions and cooperation.

He stressed on the need to build strategic partnerships and collaboration to boost the fight against corruption on the continent. 

“I accept the responsibility with humility, determination and an unshakable belief that Africa can win the fight against corruption,” Rev Dr Massi Gams said.

The CONAC boss also outlined an ambitious blueprint to which he stressed will strengthen the fight against corruption on the continent. 

Rev Dr Massi Gams stressed that the AAACoA must continue and strengthen the ongoing projects and reforms initiated within institutions and across networks. 

He stressed on the need to consolidate the gains already made, insisting that seeds planted will produce lasting results for future generations. 

According to Rev Dr Massi Gams, there is the need to place women and young people at the centre of the anti-corruption struggle. He explained that women are “pillars of integrity in our society.”

With regards to the youth, Rev Dr Massi Gams said they “represent the energy, creativity and digital intelligence of our continent”.

Rev Dr Massi Gams was categorical that empowering and involving women and youth will ensure that they become the “strongest defenders of transparency and accountability across Commonwealth Africa.”

AI crucial to combat corruption 

The new President of AAACoA urged members to embrace AI as a strategic weapon against corruption. 

“Artificial intelligence can help us detect fraud faster, improve transparency in public procurement, monitor suspicions of financial transactions, strengthen investigation and reduce human discretion in public service delivery,” Rev Dr Massi Gams said. 

The CONAC boss added that “technology must become an ally of integrity.” 

He, however, called on members of the association to ensure “ethics, fairness, accountability and respect for dignity” as they embrace AI. 

It is worthy to mention that the closing ceremony of the AAACoA was attended by the representative of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Dr Koranteng Roger, the British High Commissioner to Cameroon, heads of anti-corruption agencies and other dignitaries. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3787 of Tuesday May 12, 2026