At installation: SMEs Promotion Agency boss urges anti-corruption officials to embrace rigour.

The installation unfolded under the watchful eyes of Armand Veronique Nga, who represented the Chairman of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Rev Dr Dieudonne Massi Gams.

The eight-person committee is led by Ewusi Mbongo Eric, who also doubles as the Deputy General Manager of SMEPA.

Speaking at the event, SMEPA General Manager revealed that by establishing and installing members of the new committee with support from CONAC, the agency is making a solemn commitment to fight corruption and ensure reliable, timely and quality services.

He said the move adds to multiple reforms that the agency has been making over the years, in a bid to continuously align with the government's anti-corruption plan and the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which is part of the Head of State’s projects to completely eradicate corruption.

Badga said the anti-corruption unit will enable SMEPA to effectively serve SMEs and drive national growth in the sector considered as backbone of Cameroon’s development.

“By conducting this installation, our agency reaffirms its determination to make integrity, transparency and a quality culture the pillars of its performance and credibility, serving Cameroonian small and medium-sized enterprises and their promoters,” he said.

Badga urged the members of the unit to practice rigour and loyalty to meet their goal as a team essential to the credibility of the institution.

“I challenge you to carry out your mandate, with a renewable term of one year, with rigour, independence of mind and loyalty toward the institution by ensuring the prevention, detection, and diligent handling of any act or suspicion of corruption within our agency, and by maintaining regular liaison with the National Anti-Corruption Commission,” Badga said.

He expressed gratitude to the National Vice-President of the Businesswomen’s Association of Cameroon and the Secretary General of the national association of cosmetic promoters, ANAPROC, for agreeing to serve as external members of the committee.

Badga said by agreeing to serve in the capacity, the external members are strategically sharing their expertise and external perspectives in the governance of the agency.

Committee members express readiness to serve 

The Deputy General Manager, Mbongo Eric, who heads the newly-installed team, expressed gratitude to hierarchy for trusting the members of the committee with the task.

He said the committee will selflessly strive to deliver on the assignment which, he said, translates into strictly implementing state directives.

Mbongo noted that the committee will not operate as an enforcement body, but fully function as a structure that is designed to support staff and offices of the agency in ensuring good governance and adherence to established rules and regulations.

“It is an honour that carries great responsibility and commitment. Fighting corruption is a daunting task because it involves human behaviour. Since human beings are imperfect, regulations are necessary to guide daily actions and align them with government standards. For those of us interacting with the private sector, we must ensure these interactions strictly respect the directives of the National Anti-Corruption Commission,” he added.

“We will carry out our duties as prescribed by the GM's decision. We will not shy away from the task. The committee members are ready to work with integrity, because integrity is a collective responsibility,” he further stated.

Enter CONAC representative 

The representative of CONAC boss, Armand Veronique Nga, hailed the management of SMEPA for creating and appointing members of the unit.

Through the actions, he said SMEPA General Manager is demonstrating proactive leadership, thereby strengthening effective prevention and enforcement mechanisms at the agency.

“Like any other organisation, SMEPA is exposed to corruption risks. Through this committee, CONAC expects full implementation of the National Strategy built on five pillars: prevention, education, working conditions, incentives, and sanctions to foster a culture of integrity,” he added.

Armand Nga said CONAC is pleased to stand alongside the agency to support and encourage the body in eliminating corrupt practices. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3918 of Wednesday September 23, 2026