Daring Ebola in the fight against corruption
In its quest to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds and properties meant for the fight against Ebola in Sierra Leone, the Commissioner of Anti-Corruption Commission, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara has on Thursday 25th September 2014 led a team of ACC management staff to Makeni to interact with regional staff, health service providers and members of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). (Photo: Delegation in solidarity with Bombali District Burial Team)
Addressing members of the District Health Management Team and EOC members at the Primary Health Care conference hall in Makeni, Commissioner Kamara expressed appreciation to front line health service providers for their sacrifices towards the fight against Ebola. He said the purpose of the regional tour was to “lead from the front and not from the rare” by demonstrating solidarism with his staff manning ACC offices in Ebola epicenters and all stakeholders engaged in the fight. He allayed fears that the Mission was not to audit but a reminder to all those engaged in the receipt and utilization of Ebola funds to be mindful of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 dealing with Mismanagement and Misappropriation of Public and Donor Funds. The ACC boss underscored the fact that the declaration of the public health emergency by the President did not warrant a suspension of the Anti-Corruption Act and therefore reiterate the need for strict compliance with the principles of transparency and accountability.
Commissioner Kamara added that the provincial tour was an equally an adventure to determine what value government is getting back from resources invested and how health workers are coping with the fight against Ebola amidst the numerous challenges. He emphasized that the Commission will continue to do robust monitoring to ensure that whatever is allocated reach the intended beneficiaries. “We will not sit and wait until you make those mistakes. That is why we are here to guide you. Let us remain focus to do that which we are trained and paid for devoid of corruption,” he said.
Commissioner and delegation outside the Northern Region Office with staff
Adding his voice, ACC’s Deputy Commissioner, Shollay Davies told health service providers and members of the EOC to take pride in ensuring that they adhere to the issues of transparency and accountability. He said they were also in Bombali to share solidarity with them and strengthen the voice on ACC’s mandate on accountability and transparency. The Deputy Commissioner lamented over the serious threat of Ebola to the development of Sierra Leone and encouraged all to be sincere and dedicated in fighting it.
Talking to quarantine inmates around Makeni Township
Responding, the District Medical Officer and central figure in the EOC, Dr. Tom Sesay appreciated the moral support from ACC and its monitoring role. He updated the Commissioner and team on the status of the disease in Bombali district and the challenges they are facing. Dr. Sesay promised on behalf of the DHMT and EOC to abide by the warnings and to put in place accountability measures.
The ACC team which included the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Director of National Anti-Corruption Strategy, Nabilahi Musa Kamara and Deputy Director of Public Education and External Outreach, Patrick Sandi also visited some quarantined homes in Makeni to obtain first hand information from inmates.
Similar engagements were held in Bo and Kenema respectively.
ACC
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