Following comments made recently in Parakou by former minister Paulin Akponna, alleging the misappropriation of several billion CFA francs in the drinking water and electricity sectors, the Haut-Commissariat à la Prévention de la CorruptionHCPC) has decided to launch an in-depth verification mission.
In an official communiqué dated Tuesday 1ᵉʳ July 2025, the High Commissioner for Corruption Prevention, Mr. Jacques Migan, announced the establishment of a technical commission to shed light on the alleged facts. This commission will be mandated to rigorously and impartially examine the investment projects carried out in the commune of Parakou between 2016 and 2025 in the aforementioned areas.
According to the press release, the aim of this initiative is to enable an objective assessment of the information made available to the public and, where appropriate, to make recommendations to strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
The commission is made up of seven members selected for their sector expertise and professional integrity.
The committee has four (04) weeks to complete its work and analyze all the documentation relating to the projects concerned. This approach is in line with our desire to guarantee a rigorous, fact-based technical assessment, in keeping with the principles of fairness and transparency.
The HCPC, an independent administrative authority established by law no. 2020-09 of April 23, 2020, recalls that its mission is to prevent corruption, monitor the effectiveness of public governance arrangements, and make recommendations for their improvement. As part of this audit, the institution is seeking the full collaboration of all relevant stakeholders.
This initiative is part of the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency in the management of public affairs. Through this action, the HCPC intends not only to verify the veracity of the allegations, but also to reaffirm the commitment of the Beninese state to fight, resolutely and credibly, against all forms of embezzlement.