Corruption Destroying Africa – Akufo Addo speaks at NDC Lecture

Corruption remains one of Africa’s biggest governance problems therefore there is the urgent need to strengthen anti-corruption agencies in the continent and ensure they are not weakened by the challenges of political interference, low funding and lack of true independence, former President Nana Akufo-Addo has said.

“In 2023, over two-thirds of African countries scored below 50 out of 100 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. It is important to note that, although many countries have anti-corruption agencies, like Nigeria’s EFCC, Kenya’s EACC, and Ghana’s CHRAJ, their work is often weakened by political interference, low funding, and lack of true independence. The good news is that some models, like Rwanda’s Ombudsman and Botswana’s anti-corruption directorate, show how independent agencies can reduce corruption. Strengthening these institutions is, therefore, key to building public trust”, Nana Akufo-Addo noted.

The former President make the remarks on Monday August 18, 2025 when he delivered the Graduation Lecture under the theme “Strengthening Institutions for Good Governance in Africa,” at the National Defence College (NDC) Course 33 graduation ceremony held at the National Defence College in Abuja, Nigeria.

The grandaunts were made up of nationals from across Africa, South America and Asia.

Nana Akufo-Addo noted further: “corruption erodes public trust, diverts resources, and leaves oversight bodies powerless. Insecurity and state fragility from armed conflicts to terrorism disrupt governance and drain resources away from long-term development. Dependence on donor funding often distorts priorities and undermines local ownership, while weak democratic culture allows manipulation of elections and suppression of opposition. Outdated or poorly enforced laws further enable impunity, corruption, and inefficiency.

“Addressing these challenges requires more than surface reforms. Africa needs institutions with genuine independence, secure domestic funding, and strong legal safeguards. Combating corruption, ensuring peace, promoting civic engagement, and tailoring governance models to local realities are essential. Without tackling these root causes in a coordinated way, the vision of accountable, transparent, and resilient governance will remain out of reach.”

The former President of Ghana said the solution is certainly not linear but multifaceted, multi-layered and multidimensional.

“Africa’s path to stronger institutions is not one-size-fits-all. It requires multiple strategies: tighter oversight, digital transparency, inclusive nation building, fiscal reform, active citizen participation, and stronger legal systems. Above all, our capacity to raise our own funds to finance our development stands out as the most pressing need for good governance and development.

“We must reduce the endemic corruption, but in so doing, we need to respect due process. We must empower institutions with real autonomy, promote transparency, and strengthen enforcement. Governments in Africa should enact laws that guarantee operational and financial independence for anti-corruption bodies. For example, Botswana and Rwanda demonstrate how prosecutorial powers and dedicated funding channels can significantly enhance institutional credibility”, Akufo-Addo added.

Nana Akufo-Addo, in his address, highlighted Africa’s multi-faceted, multi-layered and multi-dimensional path to stronger institutions and touched on the critical need for tighter oversight, digital transparency, inclusive nation-building, fiscal reform, active citizen participation, and stronger legal systems to foster inclusiveness and end state fragility.

On the matter of strengthening institutions to comeback corruption and support good governance, the former President reminded his audience on the crucial role played by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)

He said CSOs are helpful for attaining good governance, when they conduct themselves without bias or malice.

“They can act as watchdogs, mobilize citizens, and defend human rights. But their impact depends on political will, strong legal powers, and proper funding which guarantees their independence of action. Even with challenges, civil society and human rights bodies continue to play a crucial role in reforms, elections, and social justice. It is important that governments appreciate, encourage and support these organizations, who frequently raise issues that authorities miss or ignore”, Nana Akufo-Addo explained.