{"id":2673,"date":"2026-05-20T09:45:27","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T09:45:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parliamentnews360.com\/?p=2673"},"modified":"2026-05-20T09:48:33","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T09:48:33","slug":"chairman-bagbin-urges-renewed-fight-against-corruption-at-apnac-africa-board-meeting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parliamentnews360.com\/index.php\/chairman-bagbin-urges-renewed-fight-against-corruption-at-apnac-africa-board-meeting\/","title":{"rendered":"Chairman Bagbin Urges Renewed Fight Against Corruption at APNAC Africa Board Meeting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Second Executive Board Meeting of the African Parliamentarians’ Network Against Corruption (APNAC Africa) opened on Thursday in Kigali, Rwanda, with a resounding call for parliamentarians across the continent to intensify vigilance and collective action against corruption. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hosted by the Republic of Rwanda, the meeting brought together lawmakers, anti-corruption advocates, and international partners to deliberate on strategies to strengthen Africa\u2019s anti-corruption efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Defining Moment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his opening address, the Chairman of APNAC Africa and Speaker of Ghana\u2019s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, described the gathering as a \u201cdefining moment\u201d in the continent\u2019s pursuit of a corruption-free future anchored on good governance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe meet today at a defining moment in our bid for a corruption-free Africa which thrives in good governance. Since our inaugural Board Meeting, the global and continental anti-corruption landscape has continued to evolve rapidly\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While acknowledging progress in institutional strengthening and citizen engagement, Bagbin lamented that corruption continues to undermine democratic governance, weaken institutions, and erode public trust across many African nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Staggering Economic Losses<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bagbin revealed alarming statistics from the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa: the continent loses approximately $88.6 billion annually to illicit financial flows and corruption equivalent to nearly 3.7% of Africa\u2019s GDP. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These resources, he noted, could otherwise fund healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social protection. \u201cCorruption continues to fuel inequality, poverty, insecurity, poor service delivery, and public disillusionment, particularly among the youth,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also highlighted emerging threats, including the misuse of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, cyber-enabled corruption, and sophisticated transnational financial crimes, calling for \u201cinnovative, coordinated, and future-oriented responses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shining Stars\u2019 Amidst the Gloom<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the grim outlook, Bagbin pointed to several African nations as \u201cshining stars amidst dark clouds.\u201d He specifically commended Rwanda, Botswana, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Ghana for demonstrating that strong political will, institutional discipline, digitization of public services, and effective monitoring can significantly reduce corruption and restore public confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese countries have shown what is possible when leadership is committed to accountability and reform,\u201d he stated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He paid special tribute to host nation Rwanda for its visionary leadership, institutional reform, and determination in promoting accountability and national transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parliamentarians as Custodians of Public Trust<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bagbin reminded his colleagues of their unique and historic responsibility in the fight against corruption. \u201cWe are not merely lawmakers. We are custodians of public trust. We are representatives of the aspirations of millions of Africans who expect integrity in public leadership and accountability in governance,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He noted that the 11th Session of the Conference of States Parties (CoSP 11) to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption had reinforced the indispensable role of parliamentarians in promoting transparency and safeguarding public resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Renewed Vision<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since assuming office as President of APNAC Africa at the 9th Biennial General Meeting in Accra, Ghana, on 9th November 2025, Bagbin said the new leadership has embraced a bold vision. \u201cWe envision building a stronger, more visible, more united, and more impactful continental parliamentary movement against corruption,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call to Collective Action<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bagbin urged Board members to approach their deliberations with openness and shared determination to strengthen APNAC Africa as a credible and influential voice in governance and anti-corruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He specifically highlighted the upcoming African Anti-Corruption Day on 11th July, urging members to use it not as a ceremonial event but as a platform for advocacy, public engagement, parliamentary action, youth outreach, and renewed commitment to integrity.\u201cLet us send a strong signal across the continent about what APNAC stands for,\u201d he urged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gratitude to Hosts and Partners<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bagbin expressed deep appreciation to Board members, partners, and invited guests for their commitment to the cause. He singled out the Global Organization of Parliamentarians. Against Corruption (GOPAC) for its enduring partnership, especially in organizing activities on the sidelines of CoSP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also extended gratitude to the President and Government of Rwanda, the Senate and House of Deputies, and the people of Rwanda for their \u201cwarm hospitality and excellent arrangements.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Second Executive Board Meeting of the African Parliamentarians’ Network Against Corruption (APNAC Africa) opened on Thursday in Kigali, Rwanda, with a resounding call for parliamentarians across the continent to intensify vigilance and collective action against corruption.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2674,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2673","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news"},"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n