JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – AFRICAN governments have been urged to strengthen and enforce legislation on corrupt businesspeople to curb the high volume of illicit flows from the continent.

Transparency International said this could address the negative perception of business if those profiting were held to account.

The organisation recommended that governments establish right to information and whistle-blower protection legislation to facilitate the
role of civil society in making public institutions more transparent, accountable and corruption-free.

Governments must also show a sustained and deep commitment to acting on police corruption at all levels by promoting reforms that combine punitive measures with structural changes over the short- and medium-term, the organisation said, adding that cracking down on petty bribery had direct impact on the most vulnerable in society.

Transparency International said the African Union and its members provide the political will and financing needed to implement the review mechanism established for its anti-corruption convention.

“Unless it is stopped, corruption slows development and economic growth while weakening people’s trust in government and the accountability of public institutions,” said José Ugaz.

His sentiments follow findings a majority of Africans (58 percent) said corruption had risen in the past 12 months and most governments were seen as failing in their duty to stop the abuse of power, bribery and secret deals.

– CAJ News