Commentary:Tonga’s Anti-Corruption Commission: A Commitment to Integrity and Transparency
Presented at the National Development Summit, Nuku’alofa, March 2025
This week’s National Development Summit in Nuku’alofa was marked by a bold and timely presentation from Ms. Mele Mangisi, the Executive Director of Tonga’s newly established Anti-Corruption Commission. Her address, which captivated both local and international attendees, was a strong affirmation that Tonga is ready to take its fight against corruption seriously—and more importantly, transparently.
Introduced as “your Anti-Corruption Commission,” the tone was inclusive and empowering. Ms. Mangisi’s message was clear: this is not just another government department—it is a new vision for Tonga’s future built on integrity, accountability, and public trust.
Established by law and operational only since July 1st, 2024, the Anti-Corruption Commission is a statutory body with sweeping investigative powers across all three arms of government—executive, legislative, and judiciary. It also has oversight over public enterprises and statutory bodies, reflecting its wide jurisdiction in rooting out systemic abuse of power.
“Every Tongan deserves a government they can trust—one that works for the people, not against them,” declared Ms. Mangisi.
The commission’s presentation was a first for such a high-level national platform, and it came at a critical time when public confidence in the integrity of public institutions is fragile. Transparency International’s recent survey of Pacific countries, including Tonga, revealed widespread concern about the prevalence of corruption in government. Yet instead of discouragement, these findings have ignited hope.
A New Standard of Governance
What makes this commission different from previous oversight bodies is its robust legal mandate, investigative powers, and commitment to transparency—starting with itself.
Ms. Mangisi shared how the commission leads by example:
- Mandatory declarations of personal and financial interests by all staff, updated and published every six months.
- Disclosure of gifts and business hospitality, with a strict no-cash-gifts policy.
- QR code access to all legislation, complaints processes, and public resources—a nod to modern, tech-savvy governance.
This proactive transparency has already impacted how public officers interact with the commission. In Ms. Mangisi’s words:
“We no longer get invited to receptions and cocktails—no one wants to be named or published.”
By shedding light on the gifts and perks often hidden in the shadows of the civil service, the Commission is changing the culture of public service—one disclosure at a time.
A People’s Institution with Teeth
Though in its infancy, the commission is already investigating 25 cases across 11 agencies, involving approximately $15 million in public assets. One investigator currently bears the entire caseload—an unsustainable but telling sign of public engagement and urgency.
Ms. Mangisi emphasized the importance of public support:
“The people are speaking up and demanding accountability. This shows there is an appetite for change.”
But to keep up with the public’s expectations, the commission needs urgent investment—both financial and political. She called for institutional independence and resources, reminding summit attendees that a healthy and functional anti-corruption body, according to international benchmarks, needs a proper ratio of investigators and legal officers.
More Than Just Policing—Building a Culture of Integrity
The Anti-Corruption Commission’s strategy is not just about catching wrongdoers. It’s also about prevention and public education.
Its Corruption and Prevention Division is tasked with creating awareness, especially in schools and communities, about what corruption is and how it hurts national development. In a society where silence is often mistaken for respect, this initiative empowers Tongans to speak up.
Furthermore, the commission’s five-year strategic plan, built around five pillars—high performance, customer-centric services, strong internal systems, stakeholder engagement, and values-based leadership—is a bold roadmap to a future where public service is synonymous with honour.
Their guiding motto, I ACT (Integrity, Accountability, Collaboration, Transparency), is more than just branding—it’s a call to action.
Why This Matters for the Kingdom
Corruption undermines democracy, development, and dignity. For Tonga—a small island nation with limited resources—every cent misused is a missed opportunity to build a school, fix a road, or support a family.
The establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission is not just another reform. It is a national turning point. It signals to development partners, regional neighbours, and—most importantly—Tongans at home and abroad that Tonga is willing to hold itself to a higher standard.
But for the commission to succeed, it cannot work in isolation. As Ms. Mangisi reminded the audience, “We don’t exist in a vacuum.” It needs functioning courts, an active civil society, courageous whistleblowers, media freedom, and political will.
A Call to Unity
The presence of the Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Committee at the summit underscored the cross-sectoral support that this initiative needs. This is not the time for politics, but for partnership—across ministries, Parliament, civil society, and community leaders.
As Tonga stands on the cusp of a new chapter, Ms. Mangisi closed with a moral reminder:
“It doesn’t have to be a hard road. If it’s not from Him, through Him, or to Him—then just don’t do it.”
The fight against corruption is, at its heart, a fight for the soul of the nation. And this week, Tonga made it clear: the battle has begun.
By Melino Maka
It’s encouraging and enlightening to congratulate the women who stand up and fight for the betterment of Tonga. Looking forward to more women voicing their thoughts and experiences.