North West Stakeholders Renew Commitment to Fight Corruption as CONAC Concludes Three-Day Workshop

By Wirngo Peter Tardzenyuy

Stakeholders in the North West Region have renewed their commitment to combating corruption through stronger collaboration, public engagement and institutional accountability following a three-day workshop organized by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (CONAC).

The workshop, which ran from June 10 to 12 at the conference hall of the Regional Delegation of Scientific Research and Innovation in Bamenda, brought together representatives of public institutions, civil society organizations, religious bodies, traditional authorities and governance actors to evaluate the implementation of the 2025 Anti-Corruption Action Plan and develop a strategic roadmap for 2026.

Speaking at the close of the workshop, Achaleke Christian, Member of CONAC's Coordination Committee and representative of the Commission's Chairperson, stressed that corruption remains deeply rooted in society and requires a collective response.

He noted that discussions during the workshop revealed that corruption affects nearly every sector, including institutions expected to champion integrity and accountability. According to him, the fight against corruption cannot be left to a single institution but must involve citizens, families, public services and community leaders.

Achaleke emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with existing regional structures, including the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator and the North West Regional Assembly, to improve governance and accountability.

Participants reviewed the region's previous anti-corruption performance and examined factors that influenced its ranking. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the socio-political situation, stakeholders noted encouraging signs of progress, including increased reporting of corruption cases and greater involvement of institutions in monitoring public projects and promoting transparency.

"The objective is not about who ranks first or last," Achaleke remarked. "The real goal is to ensure that corruption is fought objectively and effectively."

He expressed confidence that the North West Region would record improvements in future evaluations, citing growing institutional commitment and increased collaboration among stakeholders.

Representing the North West Governor, Inspector General at the Governor's Office, Ignatius Ekele Ngale, praised participants for their active engagement throughout the workshop. He described the exercise as an important step in evaluating the 2025 action plan while laying the groundwork for the 2026 strategy.

Ngale encouraged focal points from various administrations to continue providing feedback on corruption-related challenges within their services, assuring participants that recommendations emerging from the workshop would contribute to future government actions.

The Coordinator of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission in Bamenda, Dr. Agbor Nkeng, underscored the need for collective responsibility in addressing corruption.

He called on citizens to denounce corrupt practices and report cases to competent authorities, either anonymously or openly, stressing that corruption affects all sectors of society and undermines development.

For her part, participant Grace Ngw highlighted the importance of changing attitudes towards corruption. She explained that participants focused on identifying realistic and measurable actions that can be monitored over the coming months.

"The fight against corruption begins with each one of us," she said, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility and ethical conduct.

At the end of the workshop, participants adopted key priorities for the 2026 Anti-Corruption Action Plan, built around prevention, accountability, incentives and sanctions. The plan is expected to guide anti-corruption efforts across the region over the coming year.

CONAC also reaffirmed its readiness to receive reports of corrupt practices through its toll-free hotline, 1570, while pledging continued support to regional stakeholders working to promote transparency and good governance.

The workshop concluded with a strong call for sustained collaboration among institutions, civil society and citizens, reflecting a shared determination to curb corruption and strengthen public trust in governance across the North West Region.

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