AfDB Board reacts to report of High-Level Panel clearing Akinwunmi Adesina

The Bureau of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank has responded to the report of the High-Level Panel appointed to further investigate the allegations of misconduct levelled against Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina.

The Panel had in its report concurred with the bank’s Ethics Committee in its findings in respect of all allegations against Mr Adesina and finds that they were properly considered and dismissed by the Committee

At the end of a meeting Wednesday, the Board simply said it noted the report of the High-Level panel and thanked its members for delivering on the assignment.

The communique of the meeting reads,

“The High-Level Panel comprising of Mrs. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland (Chair), Justice Hassan B. Jallow, Chief Justice of the Gambia (Member) and Mr. Leonard F. McCarthy, President, LFMcCarthy & Associates (Member) was announced on 1 July 2020.

“The High-Level Panel was given a period of two to four weeks maximum to complete its work and submit a report to the Bureau.

“The High-Level Panel submitted its Report to Hon. Ms Niale Kaba, the Chairperson of the Bureau on 27 July 2020.

“The Secretariat transmitted the Report of the High-Level Panel to all Governors the same day as directed by the Chairperson of the Bureau pursuant to the request of the Board of Governors during its virtual Extraordinary Session held on 27 July 2020.

“The Bureau notes the conclusion of the High-Level Panel regarding the Report of the Ethics Committee – that “The Panel concurs with the Committee in its findings in respect of all the allegations against the President and finds that they were properly considered and dismissed by the Committee”.

“The Bureau also notes the High-Level Panel’s conclusion regarding the submission of the President to the Ethics Committee — that “it has considered the President’s submissions on their face and finds them consistent with his innocence and to be persuasive”

“The Bureau expresses its appreciation to all Governors for their support and patience during this process that was aimed at ensuring the integrity of the African Development Bank and its governance mechanisms.

“The Bureau also commends the High-level Panel for its work and for working tirelessly to ensure timely submission of its report.”

READ THE REPORT OF THE HIGH-LEVEL PANEL HERE