The Commissioner ACC holds press briefing in Bo
In the afternoon of the 25th June, 2011, the Commissioner held a press briefing with journalists at the Fair View Lodge, Kebbie Town, Bo. The briefing was attended by over (30) thirty journalists of both print and electronic including the Regional Vice President, SLAJ South, Mr. Melvin Rogers who also doubles as the General Manager – Radio Wanjei, Pujehun. (Photo: Commissioner, Mr. Joseph F. Kamara)
Patrick Jakema, Regional Secretary General, SLAJ South chaired the meeting. In his remarks, he thanked the Commissioner for identifying journalists as key partners in the fight against corruption, which is why he is meeting with them.
The chairman further said the media in the South is always willing and ready to work with the ACC. Earlier in his welcome statement, the Regional Manager South, Mr. Patrick Sandi recognized the unflinching efforts of the media in supporting the work of the ACC particularly in their to the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS).
The Commissioner, Mr. Joseph F. Kamara expressed deep satisfaction for having met with members of the forth estate in Bo in order to brief them on the activities of the Commission and solicit their support in the anti-corruption crusade.
Mr. Kamara critically noted that the fight against corruption is a National one and should be all embracive. He therefore called on all journalists to join forces with the ACC to deal with corruption issues in Sierra Leone.
Mr. Kamara touched on the key things the ACC has done in recent times. Presentation of the 2011 Annual Report to H.E Dr. Ernest Koroma, the launching of the National Public Perception Survey 2010, the investigations into the (33) intercepted containers, the number of cases currently awaiting judgment, those on trial and the ones under investigations.
In his expose, the Commissioner highlighted the work done at regional level which include community meetings, radio discussion programs, customized meetings with MDA’s and court cases involving BKPS/NPA officials. After the Commissioner’s submission, questions were asked that ranged from: pair trawling, Freetown City Council investigations muzzled, investigations to be directed to the offence of possession of unexplained wealth etc.
Madam Teresa Matu Munda Reporter of KISS 104FM appealed to the Commissioner for a joint training to be organized for both ACC and journalists so that they can fully understand the work of the Commission and be able to always make a well balanced and knowledgeable reporting about the ACC. The Commissioner immediately tasked the Regional Manager, South Mr. Patrick Sandi to work on the concept paper for the training.
Mr. Probyn John Alpha, President Reporters Union South and also Reporter Radio New Song FM97.5 gave the vote of thanks. He pledged SLAJ’s and the media’s support to the Commissioner and the Commission in order that success could be achieved at all fronts for the good of our country. Mr. Probyn Alpha however appealed that the Commission engage all the radio station’s in Bo for ACC hour instead of just SLBC 96.5FM and KISS 104 FM.
The Commissioner asked the Regional Manager to note the concerns and take the necessary action. The actions are:
- To develop a concept paper for the training of both journalists and ACC staff nationwide, but beginning with the Southern Province.
- To note the concern of Mr. Probyn Alpha so that ACC can be working with all the (3) three radio stations in Bo i.e. SLBC 96.5FM, KISS 104FM and New Song 97.5FM.
After the briefing the Commissioner had interviews with over six (6) pressmen.
A group photograph with the Commissioner and journalists ended it all.
Anthony B. Samu, ACC District Coordinator, Bo.
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