Corruption Still Africa’s Biggest Challenge, Says Akufo-Addo

Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo says corruption remains Africa’s biggest governance challenge and a major threat to development, despite progress in institutional reforms in the continent.

Akufo-Addo made the assertion in a lecture he delivered at Nigeria’s National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja yesterday with the theme, “Strengthening Institutions for Good Governance in Africa,” as part of activities marking the graduation ceremony for Course 33.

Akufo-Addo noted that although several African nations had established anti-corruption agencies, many of them were weakened by political interference, underfunding, and a lack of independence.

He said, “In 2023, over two-thirds of African countries scored below 50 out of 100 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.

“Yes, we have anti-corruption agencies across the continent, but too often they are deprived of resources or stripped of real autonomy.

“Still, examples from Rwanda and Botswana show how independent, well-resourced bodies can make a real difference,” he said.

The former Ghanaian leader stressed that corruption was not only an ethical issue but a fundamental threat to development, as it eroded public trust, diverted resources, and crippled service delivery.

According to him, fighting corruption requires political will, strong laws, citizen engagement, and technological innovations that close loopholes in public finance and procurement.

“Technology, from open contracting portals to blockchain, can help strengthen accountability and expose fraud. Citizens must also be empowered as watchdogs in the governance process,” he added.

Akufo-Addo further emphasised that addressing corruption was central to bridging Africa’s governance gap, which is also worsened by insecurity, weak democratic cultures and donor dependence.

He said that strong institutions—judiciaries, legislatures, electoral commissions, civil services, and civil society organisations—must be given real independence if Africa is to sustain democratic governance and development.

“The task before us is urgent. Together, let us build institutions worthy of our people’s aspirations and resilient enough to secure Africa’s future,” Akufo-Addo said.

In his remarks, the minister of defence, Mohammed Badaru, said Nigeria is committed to strengthening institutions for efficient governance.

According to the minister, the Tinubu administration’s efforts to strengthen institutions include leadership appointments, reforms, and new frameworks deliberately designed to promote accountability, professionalism, and effective coordination.

He said, “In alignment with the President’s mission, the Ministry of Defence is focused on building systems that will outlast any administration and secure stability for future generations.”

He emphasised that nations falter when institutions are weak; when institutions are strong, nations endure, economies grow, and societies thrive.

“Strong nations are not built on strong individuals, but on resilient and accountable institutions,” he said.

The minister noted that despite efforts to deepen good governance and institutional resilience across Africa, peace, security, and development require deeper cooperation and stronger institutions. Nigeria, he added, stands ready to lead through domestic reforms and contributions to Africa’s collective renewal.

Badaru charged the graduating participants of Course 33 to embrace their leadership responsibilities, noting that their 11-month training had prepared them to think strategically, act decisively, and lead with dignity.

“Your task is to strengthen the institutions you serve, for institutions only endure when leaders uphold fairness, accountability, and service to the people,” the minister said.

In his opening remarks, the commandant of the NDC, Rear Admiral James Okosun, said graduation lectures were a long-standing tradition of the College, providing an opportunity to engage distinguished leaders whose lives and service exemplify excellence.

“It also serves to inspire and challenge our participants as they prepare to assume higher responsibilities within their services, ministries, departments, agencies, and other strategic institutions,” he said.

As future strategic leaders, he urged the participants of Course 33 to appreciate the pivotal role that strong institutions play in delivering good governance, noting that “Without resilient institutions, there can be no enduring security or sustainable development.”