ACC warns principals against misuse of girl child education funds
The Regional Manager of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) North, has warned all principals in Bombali District to desist from misuse of the Girl Child Education funds and other corrupt practices. (Photo: Mr. Patrick Sandi, Regional Manager ACC North)
Speaking at an emergency meeting with cross section of principals of Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in Bombali District at the Commission’s Regional Office in Makeni on Friday 19th August 2011, Mr. Patrick Sandi lamented on the failure of some school authorities to refund school fees of the girl child after receiving payment from government.
He reminded them that they have an obligation as heads of schools to ensure that the Girl Child Education funds reach the beneficiaries and all unclaimed monies are paid back into the Government consolidated account. Mr. Sandi observed that some principals are in the habit of keeping the payment of the Girl Child Education funds quiet and also diverting them to other purposes. He said the Commission has the mandate to investigate all forms of corruption, no matter the amount of money or individual involved in it, noting that it is determined to take the step further in the fight against corruption.
Cross section of principals and police
Mr. Sandi explained some of the offences that have to do with the work of principals and school authorities, noting that the punishment for each offence is a fine of not less that thirty million Leones of jail term of not less than three years or both.
The Regional Manager assured the education stakeholders of ACC’s resolve to partner with them in pushing the country forward and therefore encouraged them to desist from corrupt practices. He said the ACC is always there to assist them to enhance transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
Explaining the purpose of the meeting, ACC’s District Coordinator for Bombali, Mr. Raymond Allieu Kamara said it was the Commission’s drive towards collective responsibility and engagement in the fight against corruption. He noted that there are lots of public concerns relating to corrupt practices in schools ranging from the Girl Child Education funds, request for money for collection of results and report cards, illegal admission to illegal charges.
The District Coordinator underscored that the ACC is not just there to arrest, investigate and convict people but also put in place preventable measures. He encouraged all heads of schools in Bombali District to propagate anti-corruption messages during assembly periods, CTA meetings and other engagements with staff and pupils.
Al-Hassan Sesay giving an overview of the ACC
Giving an overview of the Commission, Public Education Officer, Mr. Al-Hassan Sesay said ACC is not a witch hunt institution but is there to lead the fight against corruption. He emphasised that the ACC alone cannot fight corruption in the country and called on all heads of schools 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 prosecution.
Mr. Sesay said the ACC is not just there to arrest and convict corrupt individuals but also sensitizing the public on the dangers of corruption and benefits of a corrupt free Sierra Leone. He said the Commission lays premium on getting converts rather than convicts and therefore called on all heads of schools to change their corrupt behavior, opinion, attitude and thinking for the betterment of the country.
Chairing the meeting, Deputy Director of Education, Haja Ramatu Kanu emphasised the close working relationship with ACC. She noted that it is a criminal offence to admit a child illegally and urged heads of schools to defend the policy of the Ministry of Education.
Making a statement on behalf of his colleagues, Chairman Conference of Principals and Principal of Birch Memorial Secondary School, Makeni, Mr. Shekuba Raymond Sesay assured the Commission that they will conduct the business of their schools in line with the education policy. He said they will abide by the warning and continue to partner with the Anti-Corruption Commission to wipe out corruption in Sierra Leone.
Representing the Sierra Leone Teachers Union, Ahmed Titus Kamara entreated his colleagues to collaborate with ACC to see how together they can develop this country.
ACC North
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