ACC warns RSLAF against misuse of government property
The Northern Regional Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has cautioned members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to desist from corrupt practices and protect public property.
Speaking at a sensitization meeting with members of the 4th Infantry Battalion and Brigade at Teko Barracks in Makeni on Thursday 12th May 2011, Regional Manager of ACC North, Musa Jawara emphasized that the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 clearly makes it an offence for anybody who fails to protect or misappropriate public property. He warned them against misuse of vehicles and government property.
Mr. Jawara informed members of RSLAF that the Commission has the mandate to investigate all forms of corruption and corrupt practices. He highlighted some of the offences in the 2008 Act and disclosed that the punishment for any of the offences is a fine of not less than thirty (30) million Leones or imprisonment for not less than three (3) years or both fine and prison term.
Giving an overview of the Commission, the Regional Manager said Anti-Corruption Commission alone cannot fight corruption in the country and called on RSLAF to partner with the Commission. He explained the three approaches used by the Commission in the fight against corruption which are public education, prevention and confrontation. He spoke about asset declaration and encouraged them to declare or update their assets before the deadline.
Mr. Jawara made it clear that the Commission is not just there to arrest and convict corrupt individuals but also sensitizing the public on the dangers of corruption and soliciting support. He therefore entreated all present to change their corrupt behavior, opinion, attitude and thinking for the betterment of the country.
In his address, Public Education Officer, Al-Hassan Sesay explained the various methods of making reports to the Commission and protection of informers. He emphasized the Commission’s core values 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. Sesay emphasized that it is the civic responsibility of every Sierra Leonean to report any act of corruption and disclosed that there is a 10% reward to informers.
The Public Education Officer read the free mobile hotlines and urged members of RSLAF to report any act of corruption to the Commission but warned them against making false report which is an offence.
Speaking on the need for partnership, ACC’s Regional Coordinator, Bombali District, Raymond Alieu Kamara said the fight against corruption is a fight for all and should not just be left in the hands of the Commission alone. He emphasized the Commission’s determination for partnership with RSLAF towards the fight against corruption. The District Coordinator used the occasion to expressed appreciation to the Brigade and Battalion Commanders and team for making the meeting a success.
Questions and answers, comments and concerns formed part of the meeting.
ACC North
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