While Cameroon faces major challenges such as a lack of water, electricity, road infrastructure, and other essential services, a public funds embezzlement scandal has shaken the country. Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, the Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic (SGPR), is accused of circumventing legal provisions by requesting the release of public funds from the presidency for sports activities, in blatant violation of the law.
The scandal revolves around the funds intended for the preparation and participation of the Indomitable Lions, Cameroon’s national football team, in the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON Total Energies Morocco 2025). According to Cameroonian law, only the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) can justify a transfer of public money intended to finance national teams. This provision means that the Ministry of Finance does not have the right to directly transfer state money to the Ministry of Sports for national teams.
By bypassing this regulation, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh is accused of requesting a direct release of funds from the Ministry of Finance, which is considered illegal. This move is seen as an attempt to misappropriate public funds, a serious act that has sparked strong criticism and concerns.
Implications of the Law for Fecafoot and the State
The relationship between Fecafoot and the Cameroonian state is strictly regulated. Public funds allocated by the public treasury must be made available to a special accountant appointed by the Ministry of Finance to Fecafoot. This agent, in this case, Oum Djon Jean Armel, is responsible for managing these funds according to the instructions of Samuel Eto’o, president of Fecafoot and the only authorized spending officer.
In other words, no expenditure can be made without the express authorization of Samuel Eto’o. This rule aims to ensure transparency and prevent any potential misappropriation of public funds. Samuel Eto’o, refusing to approve the management of the Indomitable Lions imposed by the Minister of Sports, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, has already refused to make the funds available to this ministry.
A Concerning Situation for the Management of Public Funds
Despite the clarity of these rules, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh attempted to circumvent Samuel Eto’o’s veto by requesting a direct payment to the Ministry of Sports, which constitutes a violation of the law. If the Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze, adheres to legal procedures, no payment will be made without going through Fecafoot. This situation highlights a broader problem of managing public funds in Cameroon, where many citizens continue to suffer from a lack of basic services such as water, electricity, and road infrastructure. While these essential needs remain unmet, attempts to misappropriate public funds for personal interests continue to fuel public frustration and anger.
A Call for Justice and Transparency
This case calls for a thorough investigation and greater transparency in the management of public funds in Cameroon. The competent authorities must take measures to sanction any attempt at misappropriation of funds and ensure that public resources are used for the well-being of the Cameroonian population. The Cameroonian people demand answers and expect justice to be served to restore trust in institutions and ensure that public funds are used responsibly and equitably.
