Cameroon Finance Controller Denounces Corrupt Contractors

By Eddyson Lugnagwa Posted 23 March 2006 @ 10:39 am EET     Print     Reprint     E-Mail     Comments

Nairobi (IBTimes.com) - The Finance Controller for Meme, in Cameroon, Johnson Kum Ofon, has denounced contractors who try to entice him with five or 10 percent bribe for the execution of contracts.

"People should go in for genuine business and avoid discounting credit cards. I am not interested in their five or 10 percent commission," Kum Ofon said.

Speaking to the press recently, Ofon said he has rejected several bills due to poorly executed contracts or the wrong use of running credits in public establishments.

He said it has not been easy in Meme because the tendency is for vote holders to play around with contractors.

The Controller said immediately he took office last year, he put up a communique in pursuance of government's good governance programme and the fight against corruption.

Ofon pointed that though this policy was respected to an extent, it met with several challenges and problems, leading to unpleasant relationships between the controller and contractors. He noted that people don't want to do things as prescribed by the law especially in finance offices.

Reflecting on the Meme investment credit, which stands at FCFA 271 million for this year, the Controller remarked that this could only be achieved if people pay their taxes, especially contractors.

Ofon said he has not really traced embezzlement as such, but he has noticed that there is some sort of fear of bribery and corruption amongst civil servants and contractors in the Division.