ACC ends two day workshop for Paramount Chiefs of the Southern and Eastern Provinces
The Anti-Corruption Commission has on Tuesday 5th July 2011 concluded a two days National Workshop on the topic: “Good Governance in Local Administration: Issues and Challenges in Corruption Control for Paramount Chiefs”. The workshop which took place at the J & E Resort, Bo/Koribundo Highway, Bo, was attended by 93 Paramount Chiefs, the Minister of Local Government & Rural Development (MLGRD), the Resident Minister – South, the Commissioner and staff of ACC and other dignitaries. (Photo: Cross section of Paramount Chiefs at the workshop)
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, who is also Deputy Chairman of the Bo District Council, Mr. Munda Bindi thanked the ACC for organizing such a programme targeting our traditional Rulers who are the fountain members of society and the state at large. According to Mr. Bindi, corruption is a moral issue and that traditional and moral values are protected and maintained by Paramount Chiefs. He therefore implored and encouraged the Paramount Chiefs to keep the spirit and join the fight against corruption in their respective chiefdoms.
Statements were made by the MLGRD, Ambassador Dauda Kamara, the Resident Minister-South, Mr. Moijeuh Kaikai and the Commissioner, Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr. Joseph F Kamara Esq.
In his statement, Ambassador Dauda Kamara emphasized that his ministry does not interfere in Paramount Chieftaincy elections and activities, but rather intervene in such activities when there arises critical issues.
The Resident Minister in his statement admonished and advised the Paramount Chiefs to be receptive to all their subjects, and be open, honest and impartial especially when dealing with resolving disputes amongst their subjects.
Commissioner Joseph Kamara in his statement reiterated that the fight against corruption can not be done by the Commission alone, and therefore implored all the Paramount Chiefs to come onboard and join in the fight against graft to have a corrupt free Sierra Leone.
Addressing the Paramount Chiefs on the Topic: Background to the ACC: “An Insight to the Anti-Corruption Law” with a Power-point presentation, ACC Commissioner talked about the role of Traditional Rulers in understanding the issues and challenges in combating corruption. Mr. Kamara made mentioned about the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and tried to define what corruption is. He further went to explain the types of corruption, causes of corruption, cost of corruption and the strategies employed in the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone. Mr. Kamara concluded his presentation by highlighting the main challenges in the fight against corruption and the possible recommendations in a bid to move forward with the fight.
Other Topics on “The Chieftaincy Act 2009”, “The Role of Traditional Leaders in Democratic Sierra Leone” and “Financial Management in Local Administration: Planning, Delivery & Monitoring” were presented by Mr. Reginald Fynn, Director of Intelligence, Investigations & Prosecution at ACC, Dr. Joseph B. A. Kandeh, Head of Dept. Agricultural & Home Economics Education, and Mr. Saidu Bah, Lecturer, Social Sciences of Njala University respectively.
Panel Discussion sessions on Chiefdom Administration and Anti-Corruption: “A Partnership with Paramount Chiefs for Corruption Control” and Government and Mines Revenue support to chiefdoms: “An Evaluation of Accountability and Transparency in Local Administration” were part of the workshop. All the presentations and panel discussions that formed part of the programme ended with interactive questions, answers, issues and concerns.
The two days programme was crowned by certification of the Paramount Chiefs by the Commissioner, ACC Mr. Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara Esq.
Anthony B. Samu, ACC District Coordinator – Bo District
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