ACC Empowers Physically Challenged Persons in Tonkolili District
The Northern Regional Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has empowered physically challenged persons in Tonkolili District to stand against corrupt individuals and institutions. (Photo: Alusine Y. Bangura Chairman Tonkolili District Disabled Association TDDA welcoming ACC at their centre)
This was done in a sensitization meeting with members of the Tonkolili District Disabled Association (TDDA) in Magburaka on Monday 20th May 2013. The Regional Manager ACC North, Mr. Patrick Sandi told members of TDDA that some people or organizations may want to take advantage of their disabilities to secure donor funds for their personal benefits that was why the ACC is making serious interventions. He made mention of section 37 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 which makes it an offence for any person who dishonestly appropriates anything whether property or otherwise, which has been donated for the benefit of the people of Sierra Leone or a section thereof. He said ACC realizes the importance of people with disability in the fight against corruption that was why it was engaging them. “If ACC does not come to inform you about your roles and responsibilities regarding the fight against corruption, you will be used as prey by corrupt individuals and organizations” Manager Sandi maintained. He therefore entreated them to be watchful and support the ACC through information sharing.
The Regional Manager further informed members of the organization that the ACC now has the mandate to investigate Non Governmental Organizations involved in corrupt practices. He gave examples of individuals and organizations that have been investigated and charged to court by the Commission relating to misappropriation of donor funds meant for people with disability. Manager Sandi highlighted some corrupt practices in schools and the Free Health Care program and urged all present to report to the Commission whenever they are confronted with such practices.
He assured the physically challenged persons in Tonkolili District of ACC’s commitment in fulfilling its vision of a corrupt free Sierra Leone wherein the socio economic needs of every citizen would be met.
The physically challenged at the meeting with ACC
Explaining the purpose of the engagement, ACC’s District Coordinator, Tonkolili said the Commission was at the Tonkolili District Disabled Association to educate its members on the hindrances of corruption to the development of the country and enlist their support in the fight against it. Mr. Saccoh said the ACC is not a witch-hunt institution but working towards the realization of a corrupt free Sierra Leone. He noted that ACC cannot fight corruption issues relating to people with disability without their support, noting that they have a crucial role to play. The District Coordinator emphasized that ACC was existing to make sure that things are done the right way in Sierra Leone and appealed to them to join the fight in order to make sure that their children and those yet unborn realize the benefits of a corrupt free Sierra Leone.
ACC’s Senior Public Education Officer, Al-Hassan Sesay explained to them the reporting procedures at the ACC, the 10% reward to informants and read out the free hot lines. He reminded all present of their civic responsibility to report any act of corruption to the Commission. Mr. Sesay assured them of their fullest protection but warned against making false report.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Alusine Y. Bangura, Chairman, TDDA appreciated the sensitization drive of the ACC. He observed that such educational drive would go a long way to minimize the incidences of corruption as they would be guided on how to support the Commission. The Chairman admitted that it was a special and important day for them to realize the Commission’s interest in disability issues.
Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of members, Madam Fatmata Tholley, Chairlady of the Association appreciated ACC for the education. She assured the Commission of their readiness to partner and report corrupt practices. Madam Tholley encouraged her colleagues to put into practice what they learnt and called on the ACC to protect them from corrupt organizations and individuals. “We cannot fight for ourselves that is why we rely on the ACC,” she emphasized.
Questions, comments and concerns from other members of the Association formed part of the discussions.
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