ACC gives hope to Malone community in Tonkolili
The Northern Regional Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has raised the hopes of people living in Malone Village, Makump Section in the Kholifa Rowalla Chiefdom, Tonkolili District for better lives; by expressing its commitment in fulfilling its vision of a corrupt free Sierra Leone wherein the social and economic needs of all citizens would be enhanced.
This commitment was made by the Regional Manager, Mr. Patrick Sandi during an awareness raising meeting on Thursday 27th February 2014. During the meeting, he trumpeted ACC’s recognition of the importance of people living in rural communities in the fight against corruption that was why it was soliciting their support. Mr. Sandi told the people of Malone that some people or organizations may want to take advantage of the remoteness of the village to exploit them and involve in corrupt practices that was why the ACC was making serious interventions. “If ACC does not come to inform you about your roles and responsibilities regarding the fight against corruption, you will be deprived of basic social amenities by corrupt individuals and organizations” Manager Sandi emphasized.
The Regional Manager furthered that for the lives of citizens to improve and Sierra Leone to develop, it depends on the effectiveness of ACC that was why they must support the Commission. He called on the inhabitants of Malone village to take up the challenge in fighting corruption in their communities.
Manager Sandi highlighted some corrupt practices obtaining in the school system and the Free Health Care program. He frowned at the misuse of school fees subsidy and Girl Child funds by some Head Teachers and Principals which he noted was impeding the improvement of education in the district. He warned that those forestalling the success of the Free Health Care in the district would not be entertained by the ACC. The Regional Manager also mentioned some corrupt practices in Chiefdom Administration, Local Courts, market places and some sectors of the communities that are hindrances to the development of the chiefdoms and the country. He used the occasion to encourage those involved in corrupt practices to desist and do the right thing. “The fight against corruption is tough because corruption fights back. But we can only succeed by joining hands together. If we are honest and dedicated to the fight, our lives, our children’s lives and those yet unborn will be improved and Sierra Leone will be a paradise” he stressed.
Addressing the people of Malone village, ACC’s Senior Public Education Officer Mr. Al-Hassan Sesay said the engagement was meant raise awareness about the role of locals in the development of their chiefdoms and to change negative perceptions on corruption. He said ACC was embarking on the educational drive to increase awareness about corruption and anti-corruption measures, putting preventive measures to enhance transparency and accountability and taking punitive measures against corrupt individuals.
ACC’s Tonkolili District Coordinator Mr. Abdulai Saccoh explained the various methods of making reports to the Commission and protection for informants and entreated the people of Malone to stand firm against corruption.
Making their inputs, Headman of Malone Village Pa Issa Lakoh appreciated ACC’s efforts in taking anti-corruption messages to rural areas. He assured the Commission of their fullest cooperation in a bid towards enhancing transparency in the chiefdom and reporting corrupt practices. Section Youth Chairman Mr. Abdul Kamara appreciated ACC for enlightening them on corruption issues. He expressed hope that all what was discussed would be put into practice and appealed to ACC to embark on regular sensitization of rural communities.
Questions, comments, suggestions and answers formed part of the meeting.
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2014, https:. All rights reserved.
