In a significant development for Ghana's leadership in continental governance reform, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has been elected President of the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC). This election marks a pivotal moment, positioning Ghana's Parliament House at the forefront of regional anti-corruption efforts. Mr. Bagbin's acceptance of the continental role and pledge to promote integrity in public life and support Africa's collective fight against corruption is a bold statement of Ghana's commitment to this cause.
The election took place during the organization's 9th Biennial General Meeting in Accra, which brought together parliamentarians from 24 African countries. The conference 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. Mr. Bagbin's keynote address at the opening ceremony highlighted corruption as a cancer eating away at the fabric of African societies, emphasizing the need for APNAC to be a true vanguard of Africa's integrity movement.
Mr. Bagbin commended the outgoing President and Board Members of APNAC for their service, describing their leadership as a firm foundation for the new administration. He pledged to work closely with legislators across Africa to advance APNAC's objectives, noting that progress in the fight against corruption would depend on unity and cooperation among member parliaments. His election is a significant moment for Ghana's leadership in continental governance reform, positioning Parliament House at the center of regional anti-corruption efforts.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Bagbin outlined Ghana's efforts to combat corruption, including the establishment of the Ethics and Standards Committee, the Office of the Commissioner of Standards, a Corruption Risk Management Plan, and an Anti-Corruption Department under the Legal and Governance Services Division. He also cited the creation of the Citizens' Bureau and Petitions Committee to enhance civic participation and transparency. The four-day meeting, which ran from November 6 to 9, 2025, at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, brought together parliamentarians from 24 African countries. The IPU President, in an earlier statement, said Mr. Bagbin’s integrity, impartiality, and ability to build trust with all parties informed his appointment to the Russia-Ukraine peace Task Force. As part of his duties, Mr. Bagbin will attend meetings during IPU Assemblies and take part in hearings and discussions with both Ukrainian and Russian parliamentary delegations.
APNAC is a continental body that brings together legislators dedicated to tackling corruption through parliamentary oversight, policy reform, and institutional accountability. The network serves as a platform for parliamentarians to champion anti-corruption initiatives, promote good governance, and exchange best practices for legislative oversight across Africa. This election is a testament to Ghana's commitment to continental governance reform and its leadership in the fight against corruption in Africa.
