Britain advocates for anti-corruption law in Cameroon

The British High Commissioner to Cameroon, Brian Olley, encouraged Cameroon to adopt an anti-corruption law as quickly as possible to curb the scourge and entice investors so as to jump start the country’s economic growth.

The British diplomat was speaking to the press in Yaounde on Thursday at his residence ahead of a round-table discussion on challenges in tackling corruption in Cameroon. The round-table brought together stakeholders from the government, British business community in Cameroon as well as the private sector.

Brian Olley explained that corruption inhibits economic growth of countries around the globe but was proud to announce that the United Kingdom (UK) remains the lone country in the world with the strongest anti-corruption law. The 2010 Anti-bribery Act which compels British companies anywhere in the world to subject to the law has been a plus in tackling the canker worm.

He therefore announced his country’s willingness to share the contours of such an act with stakeholders in the fight against corruption in Cameroon so as to benefit businesses. The Anti-bribery Act in use for over four years is causing panic amongst corporate bodies in Britain and people are being prosecuted under it.

The British High Commissioner revealed his determination to work with government and the private sector more efficiently. Given that corruption is one of the greatest constraints to development and that where it prevails, resources are wasted and mismanaged, potential for investments remains untapped and investors are deterred participants at last Thursday’s round-table discussed how reinforced training can help reduce and why not eradicate the scourge.