By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT) has handed over five pick-up vehicles to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (CONAC) and the Audit Chamber of the Supreme Court of Cameroon.
The vehicles were presented during a ceremony held on 13 February and presided over by the Minister, Alamine Ousmane Mey. Present at the event were Yap Abdou, President of the Audit Chamber of the Supreme Court, and Rev. Dr Dieudonné Massi Gams, President of CONAC.
The vehicles were procured under the Public Finance Governance Support Project (PAGFIP), financed by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) through the African Development Fund (ADF). The total cost of the vehicles stands at FCFA 10.22 billion.
In his address, Minister Ousmane Mey highlighted the strategic importance of the two beneficiary institutions, stating that the donation would strengthen tax revenue mobilization and enhance the security of public finances.
He explained that the equipment would help reduce budgetary risks through improved monitoring and reinforced oversight of budget implementation. “The systematization of internal and external audit practices is essential,” he stated. Referring to remarks made by the Head of State two days earlier, the Minister added that PAGFIP would also contribute to the fight against corruption, pollution and illicit financial flows.
According to him, the project seeks to strengthen and consolidate national capacities in public finance management, improve communication on reforms and build the skills of internal and external control bodies responsible for overseeing public finances.
“We all share a commitment to transparency in public finance management, regular audits and the effective involvement of civil society organizations in budgetary oversight,” he said.
Following the signing of the transfer documents, the heads of both institutions expressed their appreciation for the support. Rev. Dr Massi Gams said the vehicles would enable CONAC to intensify its field operations and conduct investigations more effectively.
“On behalf of CONAC, we extend our gratitude to the President of the Republic. With this vehicle support, the institution can better carry out its field missions and investigations at various levels,” he said. He added that the new resource would allow CONAC to engage more closely with citizens, monitor ongoing projects and ensure that public resources serve their intended purpose.
Yap Abdou also welcomed the donation, noting that it would significantly enhance the Audit Chamber’s operational capacity. “These vehicles will strengthen our field operations and enable us to assess budget allocations and their execution more effectively,” he stated, adding that they would facilitate travel across the national territory for audits and inspections.
Of the five vehicles, two have been allocated to the Audit Chamber and three to CONAC. The distribution is intended to improve their operational efficiency in auditing, oversight, prevention and the fight against corruption.
Through PAGFIP, the Government of Cameroon, with continued support from the AfDB, is pursuing reforms aimed at improving tax revenue mobilization, enhancing the efficiency of public expenditure and strengthening efforts to combat corruption and illicit financial flows.