CONAC Chairperson addressing Journalists at the workshop
The National Anti-Corruption Commission, known by its French acronym CONAC, trained members of the press on effective strategies to combat corruption in the country. This training took place on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at their headquarters in Yaoundé, during the celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day.
The opening ceremony was chaired by the Commission’s Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dieudonné Massi Gams, under the theme, “Journalists: Anti-Corruption Sentinels.”
Welcoming journalists to the event, the chairman highlighted that the workshop was part of CONAC’s commemorative activities for International Anti-Corruption Day 2021.
“Build-up activities to this day took us to some localities in the East Region, notably in the Kadey, Boumba, and Ngoko Divisions. Teams from CONAC conducted sensitization activities in six main council areas on the theme ‘IF IT IS NOT YOURS, DON’T TAKE IT,’” said Rev. Dr. Dieudonné Massi Gams in his opening remarks.
The workshop began with a series of presentations following the chairman’s speech. The first presentation was led by Alfred Etom, Coordinator of the Studies and Cooperation Department at CONAC. He outlined why journalists should take an interest in the fight against corruption, how they can participate, and what is expected of them.
Richard Evinaegolo, Coordinator of the Investigation Department, shed light on the quality of journalistic work that can spark investigations into corruption. He discussed possible avenues for investigation, denunciation, and the consequences of corruption. He encouraged journalists to share confidential information about corrupt practices, assuring them that their identities would be protected.
A representative of the Chairperson of the National Communication Council addressed the press on ethical violations and highlighted penalties in the penal code, emphasizing the issue of bribes offered to journalists to influence their reporting.
Later, Irene Morikang Tche, Head of the Communication Department at CONAC, spoke on the importance of adhering to professional ethics and improving the integrity of journalists. She stressed that integrity is not merely a declaration but a consistent demonstration of values integrated into one’s lifestyle. Working with conscience, without fear or favor, were key aspects she highlighted as essential to building integrity.
The core message was for journalists to recognize their role as the “fourth estate” of the government and understand their duty to the public. They were urged to stand by the people they serve and assist in rooting out those who embezzle public funds and obstruct transparency in both public and private institutions.
Journalists made several recommendations as a way forward. Many suggested that CONAC establish a platform for the exchange of information between journalists and the commission to facilitate better information sharing. Another key recommendation was the creation of a network of journalists dedicated to the fight against corruption.
In his closing remarks, the chairman reminded participants of the international theme for this year’s celebration, “Your Right, Your Role: Say No to Corruption.” He acknowledged that while there has been progress in Cameroon’s fight against corruption, significant resistance from some officials continues to pose challenges.