ACC partners with Njala University in the fight against corruption
Staff of The Anti-Corruption Commission on Tuesday 8th October 2011 continued their sensitisation exercise by engaging students at Njala University, Njala Campus in the Kori Chiefdom, Moyamba District. This event was a follow up of a previous engagement with the same university by the commissioner, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara ESQ.
In his opening statement the Chairman of the programme Mr. Mohamed Sheriff, Lecturer Njala University, Njala Campus, said that the visit of the ACC to the Njala University was timely because students would have the opportunity to understand the operations of the Commission. Mr. Sheriff underscored the tremendous efforts of ACC in fighting graft in the country and appealed to all students present to show keen interest in the work of the commission.
Giving his welcome address, the Students union President, Mr. Augustine B. Kamara, thanked the commission for honoring his government’s invitation to Njala University- Njala Campus, which according to him demonstrates the concern the commission has for the development of education in Sierra Leone. Mr. Kamara reiterated his government’s commitment in the fight against corruption stressing accountability and transparency as his watch words in governance. He encouraged students to desist from all forms of dishonesty and to embrace good attributes as they are the future leaders of the country.
Expounding on the activities of the commission, the regional manager south, Mr. Mohamed Dumbuya said, the ACC was established to lead the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone using a three-pronged approach (Public Education, Prevention and Prosecution). Mr. Dumbuya admonished participants to uphold the popular mantra: ‘prevention is better than cure’. He maintained that students should lead a life of integrity in their daily dealings with one another and must lead by example. He also informed participants that the Systems review process undertaken in the commission promotes transparency and accountability in Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).Manager Dumbuya concluded that if prevention of corruption fails then the commission is always at liberty through the ACC Act 2008 to investigate and prosecute corruption offenders. He therefore cautioned all students and lecturers present to be law abiding citizens and to shy away from indulging in corrupt practices as the effects of which are counterproductive to the development of the state.
Speaking on the Topic: ‘Disseminating ACC messages and strengthening partnership with educational institutions’, the Public Education Officer South, Mr. Wilfred Bangura encouraged students to join the commission in promoting its mandate.Mr Bangura stressed on the work he does in the commission which is principally to educate and sensitise the people of the country on the evils of corruption and to solicit their support in combating it for the good of all.Mr Bangura further maintained that corruption is harmful to the nation and it will be good to have a corrupt free society. He further stated that the commission has been able to recover millions of Leones from proceeds of corruption offenders which he said such monies have been deposited into the consolidated fund. He concluded that partnering with Njala university will go a long way to reduce the menace of corruption in their midst.
Unfolding some of the 27 offences as contained in the AC Act 2008, Mr Thomas Rogers, Investigations Officer, admonished students to be content with what they have until they achieve their goals in the near future. He told them to desist from all forms of corrupt practices that are against the mandate of the Commission. Mr. Rogers mentioned some of the offences in the Anti Corruption Act of 2008 as follows: Misappropriation of Public Funds or Property, Misappropriation of Donor Funds or property, Abuse of office, Abuse of position, Possession of an unexplained wealth, Offering, Soliciting and Accepting advantage, Corrupt acquisition of wealth, Gifts, to name but a few.
Responding with a commitment to join the fight against corruption, Mr. Senesie Mansaray, member of the Students Union Government appreciated the ACC for putting them on their guard; something that will help them to perform their duties more effectively. He emphasised the fact that students should always be ready to speak out against corruption, as it is the best service one can offer to the nation.
Questions and answers including the distribution of ACC flyers, stickers and posters climaxed the event.
By: Wilfred Bangura, Public Education Officer South.
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