“Corruption is a cancer that is eating away at the fabric of our societies,” Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of the Parliament, said in his keynote address. “We must reposition APNAC as a true vanguard of Africa’s integrity movement and work together to create a continent where integrity is the norm, not the exception,” he added.

“The four-day meeting, which brings together parliamentarians from across 24 African countries, has the theme: “Repositioning APNAC in the Fight against Corruption: Overcoming Current and Emerging Challenges,” aimed to discuss ways to strengthen anti-corruption efforts and promote transparency and accountability on the continent. 

“Corruption is a complex and multifaceted issue, but it is not insurmountable. “We must adapt, mutate, and spread across borders to effectively combat corruption,” Speaker Bagbin said. 

The meeting is also expected to result in a renewed commitment to fighting corruption and promoting good governance in Africa. Mr Bagbin also highlighted Ghana’s efforts to combat corruption, including the establishment of an anti-corruption department and a citizens’ bureau to provide a bridge between parliament and citizens. 

The Ninth APNAC meeting, scheduled between November 6 and November 9, is expected to attract delegates from across 24 African countries and beyond. 

Mr Louis G. Vlavonou, the President of APNAC-Africa and the Speaker of the National Assembly of Benin, said corruption stood as one of the most significant threats to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063. “It undermines public trust, fuels transnational financial crimes, and jeopardizes our borders, sovereignty, and overall development,” he said. 

Mr Vlavonou noted that while progress had been made in combating corruption over the past few decades, much more remained to be done, adding that “in this context, the work of the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption was more crucial than ever.” He charged all parliamentarians, especially APNAC members, to unite and reaffirm their commitment to combat corruption. “Given the scale and complexity of corruption today, bold, collective action is essential. We must strengthen our network and enhance our capacities to achieve a more significant and lasting impact. 

Mr Joseph Whittal, the Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, urged APNAC to reposition itself and explore innovative ways to support parliaments, including pushing for robust anti-corruption laws, enhancing inter-parliamentary collaboration, leveraging technology for oversight, and empowering citizens and civil society. 

“The goal is to build a continent where integrity is the norm, and transparency is a culture,” he said. Mr Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Clerk to Parliament, emphasised the need for renewed commitment to transparency, diligence, and ethical governance.