ACC takes the fight against corruption to staff of the MAFFS in Bo district
As part of its Public Education drive to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) has on Tuesday 19th July 2011 held an institutional sensitization meeting with staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security (MAFFS), Bo District. The meeting which took place at the Ministry’s District Head Quarters, China Farm Bo/Kenema Highway in Bo attracted over 300 staff members including, The District Agriculture Officer, Heads of Departments, and Extension Officers from the various duty stations in the District. (Photo: ACC District Coordinator for Bo District, Mr. Anthony Samu)
The ACC District Coordinator for Bo District, Mr. Anthony Samu, while explaining the purpose of the meeting, said that the meeting is not for any mishap done by the Ministry, but just one of the periodic and many sensitization meetings organized with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Mr. Samu reiterated that the ACC realizes the fact to come closer to the people in order to allay their fears and misconceptions concerning the ACC. Availability, Accessibility and Affordability of food are key issues the Ministry is taking the lead to address, and that we should all make our own input or contribution towards this drive Samu maintained. He also said that the meeting will give staff of the Ministry the opportunity to advance questions or raise issues and concerns regarding the operations of the Commission. Mr. Samu therefore encouraged the participants to be open and frank in the deliberations.
Mr. Patrick Sandi, ACC Regional Manager–South
Giving an overview of the Commission and update, Mr. Patrick Sandi the Regional Manager–South (above), on behalf of the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, expressed his gratitude for the strides made by the Ministry to addressing the food self-sufficiency and security issue. He underscored the fact that the MAFFS like the Health and Education Ministries is very strategic to the State in addressing the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) and the Government’s “Agenda for Change” programme. He therefore solicited the support and collaboration of all in the Ministry to get onboard and do the right thing since corruption is dynamic and fights back when it is being fought against.
Staff of MAFFS, Bo listening intentively
Mr. Sandi went ahead to talk about the establishment of the ACC and what the Commission does which he said include, Education, Prevention and Confrontation. He informed the audience that the 2000 Act was reviewed in 2008 which gave the Commission more powers including additional offences above 27 in number. These offences include, ‘possession of unexplained wealth”, “bid rigging” and “misappropriation of public and donor funds & property” among others, and goes with stiff penalty when convicted. He also talked about Declaration of Assets and Liabilities, which according to him, demonstrate how accountable and transparent Public Officers are in public life. Declaring your Assets as a Public Officer Mr. Sandi emphasized will protect and guide you in the event of future problems. Provision in the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, regarding a person failing to declare his/her assets and liabilities shall be on conviction to pay a fine of not less than twenty million leones or one year jail term or both fine and jail term.
Mr. Sandi also informed the MAFFS staff that the ACC has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the UK Government for assistance to be provided to the ACC by the UK Government as and when the Commission needs it and that Sierra Leone has ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) whereby Sierra Leone can solicit other states for assistance. He appealed and encouraged all partners to work together to get things right to move the country forward bearing in mind that the Judiciary is also independent.
In his statement on behalf of the MAFFS, Mr. Michael Bockarie of the Private and Rural Sector programme acknowledged that ACC can not work in isolation and therefore need the support and collaboration of other partners to move the fight forward. He reaffirmed to the Commission that as a Ministry and strategic player to the fight, they are always ready to supply the ACC with all valuable information required.
Earlier, the District Agriculture Officer, Bo District, Mr. Mohamed Bah in welcoming the ACC team and his staff registered greetings to the ACC on behalf of the MAFFS. He reiterated that the relationship between the ACC and the Ministry should be cordial as the two institutions are partners in development. Mr. Bah underscored that the ACC is not witch hunting anybody but that wants things to be done right as it is the more reason why the Commission was established. Mr. Bah concluded by saying that we should do things or behave in a way that we feel confident and safe with no fear of falling foul of the ACC Laws.
Interactive questions, answers and concerns session formed part of the programme. The vote of thanks was given by a staff of the Ministry, Madam Mary Mammy.
Anthony B. Samu, ACC District Coordinator – Bo District
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