Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has called on members of the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC) to prioritise building trust between citizens and their leaders as a cornerstone in the fight against corruption across the continent.
Speaking at the 9th Biennial Conference of APNAC in Accra, Mr. Bagbin emphasised that democracy cannot survive without trust, stressing that African nations must establish strong structures to effectively combat corruption.
“Without trust, democracy itself will not stand. We must build systems and institutions that deal decisively with corruption,” he urged.
The four-day conference, held under the theme “Strengthening Accountability for Sustainable Development in Africa,” brought together parliamentarians, anti-corruption experts, and key stakeholders from across Africa to share ideas and best practices to fight corruption.
Delegates shared ideas, strategies, and best practices aimed at reinforcing accountability and transparency in governance.
Discussions centered on how corruption undermines development, erodes public confidence in democratic institutions, and diverts resources meant for social and economic progress.
Participants highlighted the need for stronger oversight mechanisms, legislative reforms, and collaborative efforts across borders to tackle corruption effectively.
Mr. Bagbin underscored that accountability was not only a political necessity but also a developmental imperative.
He noted that sustainable development in Africa hinged on leaders’ ability to uphold integrity and ensure that public resources were used for the benefit of citizens.
The conference provided a platform for African lawmakers to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance.
By fostering trust and accountability, APNAC aims to create a united front against corruption and advance Africa’s long-term development goals.
Source: GNA
Source: ghanabusinessnews.com
