By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, May 19, GNA — Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Chairman of the African Parliamentarians’ Network Against Corruption (APNAC Africa), has called on Africans to intensify continental efforts against corruption and illicit financial flows on the continent.
Mr Bagbin noted that data from the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa showed that Africa loses approximately $88.6 billion annually to illicit financial flows and corruption, equivalent to nearly 3.7 per cent of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product.
A statement issued by Mr David Sebastian Damoah, Director, Media Relations, Parliamentary Service, copied to the Ghana News Agency, on Tuesday said Chairman Bagbin, made the call in his opening address of APNAC board meeting in Kigali, Rwanda.
It explained that the lost resources could otherwise fund healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social protection.
He described the gathering as a “defining moment” in Africa’s pursuit of a corruption-free future anchored on good governance.
“We 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,” it said.
Parliamentarians from across Africa gathered in Kigali for the second executive board meeting Hosted by the Republic of Rwanda, the meeting brought together lawmakers, anti-corruption advocates, and international partners to review progress and outline strategies to strengthen governance and accountability across the continent.
“Corruption continues to fuel inequality, poverty, insecurity, poor service delivery, and public disillusionment, particularly among the youth,” it noted.
It also flagged emerging threats, including the misuse of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, cyber-enabled corruption, and sophisticated transnational financial crimes, urging “innovative, coordinated, and future-oriented responses.”
According to the statement, despite the challenges, Mr Bagbin pointed to Ghana, Rwanda, Botswana, Seychelles, and Mauritius, as “shining stars amidst dark clouds,” crediting strong political will, institutional discipline, digitisation of public services, and effective monitoring for reducing corruption and restoring public confidence.
“These countries have shown what is possible when leadership is committed to accountability and reform,” it said, paying special tribute to host nation Rwanda for its leadership in promoting accountability and national transformation.
It said the Chairman if APNAC reminded lawmakers of their role as “custodians of public trust” and called on APNAC Africa members to use the upcoming African Anti-Corruption Day on July 11 as a platform for advocacy, public engagement, parliamentary action, and youth outreach.
“Let us send a strong signal across the continent about what APNAC stands for,” it urged.
Since assuming office as Chairman of APNAC Africa at the Ninth Biennial General Meeting in Accra on November 9, 2025, Speaker Bagbin said the new leadership was pursuing a vision to build “a stronger, more visible, more united, and more impactful continental parliamentary movement against corruption.”
He thanked the Government and Parliament of Rwanda, as well as partners including the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), for their support and hospitality.
The meeting is expected to produce recommendations to strengthen parliamentary oversight and coordination in the fight against corruption ahead of CoSP 11 to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei
May 19 2026
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei
Email: [email protected]