ACC Bo engaged in opinion leaders in Jiama Bongor Chiefdom

The Bo District Coordinator of the Anticorruption Commission (ACC) Mr. Anthony Samu has on Monday 12th March 2012 addressed opinion and community leaders at Koribondo Town in the Jiama Bongor chiefdom, Bo District. This event was organised as part of the district coordinator’s activities in reaching out to community leaders to sensitize them about the work of the commission.  The meeting was representatively attended by over 30 participants including chiefs, youths, women, societal organizations, drivers, bike riders and the Bo District Councilor of Ward 244 representing the locality.  (Photo: D C Tony Samu talking to leader in Koribondo)

Addressing his audience, the ACC Bo district coordinator explained the reason for holding this meeting for the particular target groups and highlighted recent updates on the Commission’s activities. In his explanation he spoke about the primordial role of leaders and authorities in the communities whom he said are role models that people should emulate. Mr. Samu also mentioned the strides the Commission had made in the fight against corruption which include; indictments and convictions of corruption offenders, payment of recovery monies from corrupt offenders into the consolidated fund, production of Service Delivery Charters for some MDAs and the continuous sensitization and education of the public on corruption issues. He stressed that the ACC had made remarkable successes and recognized internationally by winning International Awards.

The district coordinator also gave a brief background on the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission in 2000 which he stated was as a result of the recommendations of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report which identified bad governance and corruption as key causes of the eleven year war. Mr. Samu touched on the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 which replaced the one in 2000 and the related offences and corresponding penalties. He further cautioned all present at the meeting to be very careful and diligent in carrying out their day-to-day business, leadership and managerial responsibilities.

The district coordinator also highlighted some of the offences in the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 like “The misappropriation of public funds, public revenue and public property”, stressing that the minimum penalty for each offence is a fine of not less than Thirty million Leones or three years jail term or both.

Earlier in his welcome address, the representative of the paramount chief of Jiama Bongor chiefdom based in Koribondo-the town chief Alhaji Mohamed Alpha, who also chaired the meeting, welcomed the visiting ACC Officer from the Bo Office and expressed delight for his visit to his chiefdom. Chief Alhaji Alpha said that his chiefdom area of jurisdiction has been looking forward to interacting and discussing with the ACC in a bid to get more information and understanding about the work of the ACC, and the contribution the commission is making towards the fight against corruption not only in Jiama Bongor chiefdom, but the country as a whole. On behalf of the chiefdom, Chief Alhaji Mohamed Alpha expressed his satisfaction that the ACC is really working for and on behalf of the people of this country and assured the ACC of his chiefdom’s commitment and support to the fight against corruption. He pleaded with the ACC that his chiefdom would need a similar meeting targeting the wider community members in Koribondo and its environs.

Meaningful contributions in the form of statements were made by Councilor A.B.C. Foray of Ward 244, Mr. Mohamed Kijan, Organizing Secretary, Koribondo town and regent chief Mohamed Turay of Koribondo.

The meeting was climaxed with an interactive question and answer session whilst the vote of thanks was given by Chief Lahai Fortune, Town spokesman of Koribondo.

Anthony B. Samu, District Coordinator – ACC Bo District

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