ACC takes the fight against corruption to Bombali district council

The Northern Regional office of the Anti-Corruption Commission has taken the educational approach in the fight against corruption to Bombali District Council. This was in the form of a sensitization meeting with staff of the Council on Tuesday 6^th March 2012.  (Photo: Cross section of Bombali District Council staff)

 

Welcoming the Commission, the Chief Administrator of Bombali District Council, Mr. Mohamed Marrah expressed appreciation to ACC for considering them in its education drive. He admitted that ACC is working in the interest of all Sierra Leoneans and therefore need strong partnership. The Chief Administrator assured ACC of Council’s continued support towards the fight against corruption.

Explaining the rationale for the meeting which was hosted at the Council premises, ACC’s Public Education Officer, Mr. Al-Hassan Sesay said it was meant to encourage them to partner with the Commission in the fight against corruption.  He added that it was also aimed at educating staff of the Council on the dangers of corruption, mandate of the Commission and how corrupt practices in their operations can hinder the development of not only Bombali District but also Sierra Leone.

The Public Education Officer stressed that the fight against corruption is a fight for all and should not just be left in the hands of the Commission alone.

He therefore entreated all staff of the Council to see the fight against corruption as a collective responsibility which requires coalition building and partnership.

Giving an overview of the Commission, Mr. Sesay gave a brief background on the establishment of the Commission and explained the three approaches used in the fight against corruption which are public education, prevention and confrontation. He made it clear to staff of the Bombali District Council that the ACC is not witch-hunting anybody or institution, adding that it is not just there to arrest and convict corrupt individuals, but also sensitize the public on the dangers of corruption and building partnership. The Public Education Officer therefore encouraged all staff of the Council to resist and reject corruption.

Explaining the offences, the Northern Regional Manager of ACC, Mr. Patrick Sandi emphasised that the Commission has the mandate to investigate all forms of corruption and corrupt practices. He  explained some of the offences in the 2008 Act that have  bearing with Council operations like  using influence for contracts, misappropriation of donor or public funds or property, impeding investment, soliciting and accepting advantage, possession of unexplained wealth, receiving gifts for corrupt purposes among others. Mr. Sandi maintained that the punishment for any of the offences is a fine of not less than thirty (30) million Leones or imprisonment for a term not less than three (3) years or both fine and prison term.

He used the opportunity to warn all staff of Council to stop receiving gifts for corrupt purposes. He emphasized that Section 47 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 clearly makes it an offence for any public Officer who solicits or accepts gifts as an inducement in the performance of his/her official duties.  Manager Sandi however encouraged Council staff not to frown at the asset declaration exercise as it is advantageous to all public officers.

The Regional Manager explained the various methods of making reports to the Commission and entreated them to resist, reject and report corruption. He emphasized the Commission’s core values of confidentiality and the fullest protection of its informants. Mr. Sandi read out the free ACC mobile hotlines and explained to them the benefits of making report and the 10% reward to informers. He however warned them against making false report which he said is also an offence.

Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of staff the Deputy Chief Administrator Aminata P. Koroma thanked the ACC for enlightening them on the offences and what they should not do. She assured the Commission that they would abide by the warnings and appealed to the Commission to address their numerous concerns and also advocate for improvement on their conditions of service.

Questions, concerns, comments and answers formed part of the meeting.

ACC, North

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