By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The government of Cameroon through the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT) has handed over five pickup trucks to Cameroon’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (CONAC) and the Audit Chamber of the Supreme Court.
The handover ceremony took place Feb. 13 in Yaoundé, presided over by the Economy Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey. Yap Abdou, President of the Audit Chamber, and Rev. Dr. Dieudonné Massi Gams, President of CONAC also attended the event alongside other officials.
According to officials, the vehicles, purchased under the Public Finance Governance Support Project (PAGFIP), were funded by the African Development Bank Group through the African Development Fund. Their total cost was FCFA 10.22 billion.
Speaking during the occasion, Minister Ousmane Mey highlighted the importance of strengthening CONAC and the Audit Chamber to improve tax revenue collection and budget security.
“The materials will also reduce budgetary risks through better control and increased oversight of budget execution,” Minister Ousmane Mey said. “Systematizing internal and external audit practices is essential.”
He referenced recent comments by the Head of State during the traditional message to the Youths on February 10, noting that PAGFIP will help combat pollution and illicit financial flows. The project seeks to build national capacities in public finance management, reform communication and strengthen internal and external control bodies.
“We all share a commitment to transparency in public finance management, regular audits and effective involvement of civil society organizations in budgetary management,” Minister Ousmane Mey added.
After signing transfer documents, the recipients expressed their appreciations. Rev. Dr. Massi Gams, speaking for CONAC, said: “We are very happy to express our appreciation to the President of the Republic. By providing this vehicle to CONAC, the institution can pursue its mission in the field and conduct investigations at various levels.”
He added that the resources will allow CONAC to engage directly with citizens, monitor ongoing projects and ensure Cameroonians receive their rightful benefits.
Yap Abdou on his part said the vehicles will improve field operations for the Audit Chamber, enabling better investigation and assessment of budget allocations and execution. They will enhance the ability to cover the national territory for audits and controls.
The distribution includes two vehicles for the Audit Chamber and three for CONAC. The aim is to boost operational capacity and effectiveness in auditing, control, prevention and anti-corruption efforts.
Through PAGFIP and continued AfDB support, the Cameroon government is advancing public finance reforms. These include better tax revenue mobilization, more efficient public spending and stronger measures against corruption and illicit financial flows.
