Anti-corruption leaders representing 21 African member states of the Commonwealth are convening in Accra, Ghana, from 6-11 May 2024 for the 14th Annual Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa.
This pivotal conference aims to bolster regional efforts against corruption under the theme “Strengthening Institutions and Promoting Transparency: A Means of Fighting Corruption in Commonwealth Africa.”
Jointly organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Ghana, the conference serves as a platform for the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa to unite with senior government officials, international organisations, civil society, policymakers, and development partners. Its objectives include addressing priorities aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, sharing knowledge and best practices, examining corruption’s impact on sustainable development in Africa, and exploring innovative anti-corruption strategies.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said:
“The global cost of corruption exceeds $3.5 trillion 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’s 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 Commonwealth Secretariat because we are serious about implementing the SDGs.”
Dr Roger Koranteng, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Head of Public Sector Governance, added:
“This 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’s 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.”
Since its establishment in 2011, the conference has been an annual fixture, aligning with the Secretariat’s mission to support governments, judiciary, law enforcement, and public institutions in combating systemic corruption. Through knowledge exchange, training, and policy research, the conference bolsters anti-corruption efforts across member states.
The Association of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa comprises agencies from 21 African countries, including Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ghana, Gabon, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.
