The Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, has told his aides and potential users of his ministry’s services that the country’s objective to become a middle income economy by 2035 will only be achieved if corruption is properly dealt with.

Cameroon, like many developing countries, has been held hostage by the canker worm which to Nganou Djoumessi, inhibits economic growth. Cameroon needs to protect its image by making itself investment-friendly, he explained.

Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi made the remarks in Yaounde, yesterday, December 9, 2014, as he chaired an open-day to intensify the war against corruption in the ministry and its devolved units. He challenged the Anti-corruption Unit and Regional Delegates to champion good governance as the outfit battles to process files on time, thereby propelling the country’s growth drive. He hailed government, partners and civil society organisations for the fight to scale down the social vice.

The President of the Anti-Corruption Unit of the Ministry, Monkam Nitcheu M.J, stressed that the objective was to rupture the graft chain by raising awareness among stakeholders on the “Zero corruption in MINEPAT” campaign. She argued that corruption impacts the economy negatively and must be stopped for the country to successfully implement its Growth and Economy Strategy Paper.

On exhibition were books on corruption. Denunciation boxes were also distributed to MINEPAT Regional Delegates. They are expected to be used for whistle blowing, with the keys kept in the headquarters in Yaounde. The whistle blowing boxes will be emptied from time to time and sanctions taken against culprits.

Monkam Nitcheu M.J said a brochure to sensitise personnel and the public has also been made available as well a hot line - 222 221 197 – for reporting corrupt practices.