Beauty Narteh elected first African woman to co-chair global anti-corruption coalition

The Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Beauty Emefa Narteh, has been elected Co-Chair of the Global Civil Society Coalition for the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), becoming the first African woman to occupy the position.

Her election, announced on October 16, 2026, also makes her the first Ghanaian to chair the global civil society coalition.

Mrs Narteh will serve alongside David Banisar, providing leadership to the coalition's efforts to strengthen civil society participation, collaboration and advocacy in the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Reacting to her election, Mrs Narteh described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility, saying it presented an opportunity to amplify the voices of African civil society organisations, particularly women, in global anti-corruption efforts.

“I am deeply honoured by the confidence placed in me. I see this not only as a personal milestone, but as an opportunity to strengthen the voice of African civil society, particularly women, in global anti-corruption efforts.

“I look forward to working with colleagues to ensure that civil society remains a strong and influential voice in advancing the implementation of the UNCAC and holding governments accountable to their commitments,” she said.

Mrs Narteh represents Sub-Saharan Africa on the Global Coalition's Coordination Committee, which serves as its board.

She brings extensive experience in anti-corruption advocacy, governance and civil society leadership to the new role.

Her election comes at a time when civil society participation is considered critical to translating international anti-corruption commitments into meaningful reforms and tangible outcomes for citizens.

The appointment is also expected to strengthen the representation of African perspectives in global discussions on corruption, accountability and good governance.