To mark African Anti-Corruption Day: CONAC urges legal reforms to tackle corruption.

The appeal was made by the Chairperson of CONAC, Rev Dr Dieudonné Massi Gams, during an interview granted to Cameroon Tribune, following activities marking the 10th edition of African Anti-Corruption Day. 

The event was commemorated under the African Union theme: “Scaling up the promotion of integrity and anti-corruption actions across Africa”.

According to the Chairman, the proposed legislation would address issues including illicit enrichment, protection of whistle-blowers and the strengthening of institutions involved in anti-corruption efforts. 

He also suggested that granting CONAC prosecutorial powers could enable the commission to initiate legal proceedings following completed investigations.

The Chairman furthered that CONAC reported receiving 10,520 complaints in 2024, compared with 7,548 in 2023, representing an increase of nearly 40 percent. 

He said the rise in complaints indicates growing public willingness to report suspected corrupt practices and increasing confidence in mechanisms established to combat corruption.

“More Cameroonians are rejecting corruption by refusing the ill. The increase suggests that more citizens are willing to report corrupt practices and trust CONAC’s intervention mechanisms,” he stated.

Speaking on efforts undertaken to combat corruption, Massi Gams pointed at the existence of a National Anti-Corruption Strategy, anti-corruption units across public administrations and intensified prosecution of corruption-related offences. He said these measures demonstrate continued efforts by public authorities to address the problem.

Massi Gams identified fear and greed as major factors that continue to fuel corrupt behaviour. He noted that while fear of legal consequences discourages some individuals from engaging in corruption, personal gain remains a significant driver of the practice.

He further stressed the need to promote integrity as a national value, stating that transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law are essential to reducing corruption and improving public service delivery.

CONAC used the commemoration of African Anti-Corruption Day to sensitise stakeholders on integrity and accountability, while encouraging citizens to participate actively in efforts aimed at preventing and reporting corruption. The commission maintains that strengthening the legal framework remains a key step in advancing the country's anti-corruption agenda.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3862 of Wednesday July 29, 2026