African countries have been urged to meet their financial obligations in support of parliamentary oversight and financial accountability.
The call was made by the African Organizations of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC) which brings together legislators on accountability committees, is currently holding its 16th executive meeting at the Parliament of Uganda, which will end on April 6, 2023.
During the week-long meeting, representatives from nine African countries will discuss the importance of fulfilling their annual subscription fee of USD 5,000 (18.8 million Shillings) to help run the organization.
The Chairperson of AFROPAC, Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Sseggona, emphasized the need for African countries to subscribe to support the group's operations.
Currently, only nine African countries have paid their subscription fees, including Niger, Uganda, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia, Eswatini, and Ghana, despite all 54 African countries being members of AFROPAC. Sseggona stressed the importance of the subscription fee to support the organization, particularly if donors withdraw their support.
“If one day, we run without support from our development partners, we would be closing business. But I am sure that with our meager resources and small contributions from the member states we can operate,” said Sseggona.
During the meeting, AFROPAC also discussed the elimination of the letter of commitment required for membership, enabling members to be gained through subscription, which signifies commitment.
Malawi’s Mark Botomani, the AFROPAC Secretary General, and Ghana’s Dr. James Klutse Avedzi, the AFROPAC Deputy Chairperson, agreed that pushing member states to write a letter of commitment or acceptance could take them steps backward, and yet whoever has paid the subscription fee has already shown commitment.
The meeting highlighted the significant role AFROPAC plays in promoting transparency and accountability of public resources in Africa, and the need to ensure the welfare of the group to maintain operations for the benefit of African countries seeking to enhance financial accountability.
AFROPAC promotes cooperation among its members, sharing experiences, and strengthening relationships with national, regional, and international institutions. The organization’s objectives also include the promotion of transparency, accountability, and good governance of public resources, as well as improving economic and financial stability on the continent.
