On the fight against corruption, ACC storms MMR in southern region
The Anti- Corruption Commission has on Friday 1st July 2011 met in a meeting with staff of the Ministry of Mineral Resources (MMR), Southern Region at the Regional Head Quarter in Bo. The meeting was attended by over 40 staff including the Area Superintendent – South, Mines Monitors, Wardens and Administrative staff in the region. (Photo: Cross Section of Mines Staff Bo listening to ACC Personnel)
Mr. Anthony Samu the Anti-Corruption Commission District Coordinator for Bo District, talking about the purpose of the meeting with special reference to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (EITI), said that the EITI sets global transparency and accountability standards for the mining, oil and gas industry aiming at creating standards for countries to implement to increase greater transparency where companies disclose their payments to government and governments in turn disclose their receipts from these resources to her citizenry. Mr. Anthony Samu, went further to say that while transparency is eminent and necessary, we should also ensure that mining related funds provided for our communities are properly utilized. He also said that as the meeting progresses, staff of the Ministry will have the opportunity to ask as many questions as they could.
Anthony Samu ACC Bo District Coordinator explaining the importance of the meeting with the Mines Officers Bo
In his short briefing on the activities of the Commission and update, Mr. Patrick Sandi the Regional Manager–South, on behalf of the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, expressed his gratitude for the huge turn-out of staff for the meeting. Mr. Sandi informed the Mines staff that the ACC is now ten years since its establishment in 2000. The establishment he went on was because of bad governance, corruption etc. In fighting Corruption he said, the Commission uses three strategies; Education, Prevention and Prosecution if the first two strategies do not yield good fruits.
Mr. Sandi acknowledged that the Ministry of Mineral Resources (MMR) is a key revenue generation entity like the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and as such, the ACC solicits the support of the MMR in fighting corruption during the mobilization or generation of revenue. Manager Sandi hastened to explain the evils of corruption and consequences or penalty for corrupt offenders. He ended by saying that corruption fights back, thus the fight against corruption is becoming harder.
Fadiru Sesay, Area Superintendent South welcoming ACC staff to the Mines Department
Earlier in his welcome address, the MMR Area Superintendent –South, Mr. Fadiru M. Sesay, who chaired the meeting expressed his delight for the visit of the ACC. He welcomed the ACC team including all the Ministry staff of wardens and monitors who have come from far and wide. Mr. Sesay however catalogued the many challenges faced by the Ministry staff especially that of the few months salary arrears Government owns them amongst others. He expressed optimism that these monies or arrears will be paid as they remain committed and continue to carry out their daily duties.
Dan Joe Hadji, Snr Mines Monitor South posing questions to ACC staff
In his statement, the Senior Mines Monitoring Officer, Mr. Dan Joe Hadji, underscored that in delivering services during the past years, revenue generated by their Ministry the year 2011 has increased, but that the delay in payment of the low salaries coupled with the lack of other related facilities like rain gears, transport and fuel for enhancing their operations is de-motivating and a big set-back. Mr. Hadji also commented on the Agricultural Chiefdom Development Fund (ACDF) and other mining related funds provided to chiefdoms and raised concern as to how these funds are being used.
Question, answers session formed the high point of the programme whilst the vote of thanks was delivered by the Human Resource Officer of the Ministry, Ms Hafsatu Muctarr.
Anthony B. Samu, ACC District Coordinator – Bo District
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