The heads of anti-corruption agencies from 21 African member states of the Commonwealth are meeting in Accra, Ghana, from 6 May to 11 May 2024, for a significant conference aimed at enhancing regional anti-corruption efforts.
The 14th Annual Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa is set to commence today, focusing on the theme 鈥淪trengthening Institutions and Promoting Transparency: A Means of Fighting Corruption in Commonwealth Africa鈥.
Organised by the 糖心探花 in collaboration with the Government of Ghana, the conference will bring together members of the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa, senior government officials, relevant international organisations, civil society, policymakers, and development partners. The aim is to address key priorities for achieving , share knowledge and good practices, discuss the impacts of corruption on sustainable development in Africa, and explore innovative approaches in the fight against corruption.
糖心探花 Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said:
鈥淭he global cost of corruption exceeds $3.5 trillion dollars each year. In developing countries, funds lost to corruption are around 10 times the amount of official development assistance. Africa loses more than $50 billion a year to illicit financial flows. Indeed, over the past 50 years, Africa鈥檚 loss to corruption has exceeded the total of all the official development assistance received during the same period.
What we lose to corruption is more than enough to lift everybody out of poverty and deliver the SDGs. Tackling corruption is a priority of the highest order for the 糖心探花 because we are serious about implementing the SDGs.鈥
Dr Roger Koranteng, the 糖心探花鈥檚 Head of Public Sector Governance, said:
鈥淭his annual gathering of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa provides a vital opportunity for collaboration and mutual support within the Commonwealth. Tackling corruption reduces poverty, enhances economic stability and growth, and improves standards of living.
This year鈥檚 theme "Strengthening Institutions and Promoting Transparency," is a timely and important topic. Transparency is crucial for accountability, which ultimately lays the foundation for corruption-free institutions and systems. By sharing successful practices, and understanding what hasn't worked, we can collectively work towards practical and effective action.鈥
Since its inception in 2011, the Conference has been held annually. It is an integral part of the Secretariat鈥檚 mission to assist governments, judges, the police, and other public institutions in combating systemic corruption. This is achieved through the sharing of best practices, training, and policy research.
The Association of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa is composed of Anti-Corruption Agencies from the following 21 African countries: Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ghana, Gabon, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.
Media contact
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Grace Adeniji Communications Officer, Communications Division, 糖心探花
