NaCSA staff pledge support against corruption in Sierra Leone
Staff of the Northern Regional Office of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA)on Tuesday 5th March 2013 pledged their commitment and support to the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone. (Photo: NaCSA staff posing a question during the engagement)
They made this pledge during a sensitization meeting organized by the Anti-Corruption Commission in Makeni. NaCSA’s Regional Coordinator, North Mr. Osman Turay who chaired the meeting appreciated the efforts of ACC in fighting graft in the country. He mentioned that the perception held by most people was that ACC was just there for investigation and therefore lauded the educational approach used by the Commission which would serve as a guide for them to be on the right track. Mr. Turay emphasized the need to partner with ACC in a bid to ensure that the socio-economic needs of Sierra Leoneans are met.
ACC’s Senior Public Education Officer, Mr. Al-Hassan Sesay stressed that the fight against corruption is a fight for all and should not just be left in the hands of the Commission. He entreated staff of NaCSA to see the fight against corruption as a collective responsibility which requires coalition building and partnership. Mr. Sesay noted that it is only through team work that the Commission would succeed in achieving its mandate.
The Senior Public Education Officer further informed staff of NaCSA that the meeting was part of the public education approach in fighting corruption, which involves education on the dangers of corruption and how corrupt practices in their operations can impact negatively on the development of the country. He explained the mandate of the Commission and the three main approaches it is using in the fight against corruption.
In his address, the Northern Regional Manager of ACC Mr. Patrick Sandi reminded staff of NaCSA that their involvement in a range of activities that has to do with civil works makes them very strategic in the development of Sierra Leone. Noting that in the cause of implementing those activities, there is tendency for corruption and corrupt practices to occur, that was why they have to do the right thing.
Manager Sandi reinforced the point that ACC’s focus is not all about arrest, indictment and prosecution but sees the fight as the collective responsibility of all Sierra Leoneans. He therefore expressed hope that staff of NaCSA would continue to partner with ACC bearing in mind that it was working for the benefit of Sierra Leone.
The Regional Manager explained some of the offences in the AC Act 2008 that have bearing to the work of NaCSA staff like offering, soliciting and accepting bribes, misappropriation of donor funds and property, bid rigging, conflict of interest, using influence for contracts, abuse of office or position and receiving gifts for corrupt purposes. He disclosed that the punishment for any of the offences is a fine of not less than thirty (30) million Leones or imprisonment for not less than three (3) years or both fine and prison term.
Manager Sandi 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 fullest protection for informants. He read out the free ACC mobile hotlines and explained to them the benefits of making report and the 10% reward to informers, but however warned them against making malicious report which he said, is an offence.
Earlier in her welcome address, NaCSA’s Bombali District Coordinator, Hawa Sesay recognized the positive strides made by the ACC in fighting against corruption. She said her institution was looking forward to enhanced and effective working relationship with the ACC.
Madam Hawa Ruth Bangura, NaCSA’s Community Based Facilitator, who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of staff, 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 provide the necessary support.
Questions, answers, comments and concerns formed part of the meeting.
ACC Makeni
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