ACC takes the fight against corruption to Mabang and Bumbuna communities
In its determination to spread anti-corruption messages to rural communities, the Northern Regional office of Anti-Corruption Commission has on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th April 2011 held sensitization meetings in Kholifa Mabang and Kalansogoia Chiefdoms in Tankolili District. (Photo: Public Education Officer, Al-Hassan Sesay explaining the offences and penalties as contained in the Anti-Corruption Act 2008)
Addressing representatives of both chiefdoms at the Mabang Court Barry and Bumbuna Barry, ACC’s District Coordinator for Tonkolili, Abdulai Saccoh emphasized that the fight against corruption is a national concern noting that ACC alone cannot fight corruption in the country. Explaining the rationale for holding such meetings, he said it is meant to educate them on the dangers of corruption, work of the Commission, how corrupt practices in their communities can hinder the development of the chiefdoms and how they can join the fight against corruption. Mr. Saccoh gave an overview of the Commission and approaches used in the fight against corruption.
Cross section of members of Kholifa Mabang chiefdom
Speaking on the offences and penalties as contained in the 2008 Act, Public Education Officer, Al-Hassan Sesay informed members of Kholifa Mabang and Kalansogoia Chiefdoms that the Act is not just for government employees but also covers the private sector. He said the Commission has the mandate to investigate all forms of corruption, no matter the amount of money or individual involved in it. Sesay explained various offences which are common in the localities and emphasized that the punishment for such offences is a fine of not less than thirty (30) million Leones or imprisoned for not less than three (3) years or suffer both fine and prison term.
He highlighted key corrupt practices taking place in the schools, hospitals, market places and some sectors of their communities which he noted are destroying the progress of their chiefdoms. Mr. Sesay said the ACC is not just there to arrest and convict corrupt individuals but also to get converts. He called on both communities to desist from corrupt practices and change their negative attitudes for the development of Sierra Leone.
In her address, Public Education Officer Fatmata Finda Bockarie explained the various methods of making reports to the Commission and protection of informers. She emphasized the Commission’s core value of confidentiality and professionalism and stressed that if the fight against corruption is to succeed, they must be ready to resist, reject and report corruption.
The Public Education Officer urged members of both communities to report any act of corruption to the ACC Regional Office at 61 Rogbaneh Road in Makeni or through the Commission’s mobile hotlines.
In his welcome address at the Mabang Court Barry, Regent Chief of Kholifa Mabang Chiefdom Paroke Sesay expressed appreciated to ACC for bringing the Commission closer to them. He noted that such engagement will go a long way to minimize corruption in their chiefdom. The Regent Chief expressed appreciation for having the opportunity to learn more about the Commission and what they should not do.
Al-Hassan Sesay L and Fatmata Finda Bockarie displaying one of the ACC comic posters
At the Bumbuna Court Barry, Paramount Chief of Kalansogoia Chiefdoms heaped praises on ACC for taking the fight to their door steps. He promised on behalf of his chiefdom to join the Commission in the fight against corruption for the development of Sierra Leone. The Paramount Chief assured the Commission that they will abide by the warnings and stand firm against any act of corruption in their chiefdoms.
The meetings were climaxed by questions and answer sessions.
In her address, Public Education Officer Fatmata Finda Bockarie explained the various methods of making reports to the Commission and protection of informers. She emphasized the Commission’s core value of confidentiality and professionalism and stressed that if the fight against corruption is to succeed, they must be ready to resist, reject and report corruption.
The Public Education Officer urged members of both communities to report any act of corruption to the ACC Regional Office at 61 Rogbaneh Road in Makeni or through the Commission’s mobile hotlines.
In his welcome address at the Mabang Court Barry, Regent Chief of Kholifa Mabang Chiefdom Paroke Sesay expressed appreciated to ACC for bringing the Commission closer to them. He noted that such engagement will go a long way to minimize corruption in their chiefdom. The Regent Chief expressed appreciation for having the opportunity to learn more about the Commission and what they should not do.
At the Bumbuna Court Barry, Paramount Chief of Kalansogoia Chiefdoms heaped praises on ACC for taking the fight to their door steps. He promised on behalf of his chiefdom to join the Commission in the fight against corruption for the development of Sierra Leone. The Paramount Chief assured the Commission that they will abide by the warnings and stand firm against any act of corruption in their chiefdoms.
The meetings were climaxed by questions and answer sessions.
ACC Freetown
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