ACC with support from EU ends advocacy meetings with senior and middle level managers in Kabala

In its quest to enhance transparency, integrity and accountability in the Civil Service, the Anti-Corruption Commission with support from the European Union (EU) on Monday 4^th May 2015 concluded the Northern Region advocacy meetings with senior and middle level managers in Koinadugu district. (Photo: Senior and middle level managers with ACC staff in Kabala)

Speaking on the purpose of the meeting at the Koinadugu District Council hall, the Deputy Director Public Education and Outreach Patrick Sandi, stressed that the meeting was to capacitate civil servants in order to mainstream anti-corruption initiatives into their programs and operations. Key among the measures Mr. Sandi outlined to be integrated are: asset declaration, operationalizing service delivery charters developing conflict of interest rules, introducing integrity pacts and integrity pledges, strengthening internal audit systems and enforcement of codes of conduct.

He furthered that the meeting was also to heighten awareness on the damaging effects of corruption and foster public support in combating the scourge.

The Deputy Director dilated on key corruption offences in the AC Act 2008, noting that gaining such knowledge was crucial to civil servants as they handle resources for the operations of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

Head of Public Education Unit, Michael Sesay gave an overview of the EU project, noting that EU has financed this project so that good governance would be enhanced and promoted. Mr. Sesay maintained that ACC has been working with the Public Service Commission (PSC) to mainstream anti-corruption perspectives into the civil service with the clear aim to improve on service delivery in MDAs. The head of unit mentioned that civil servants must be impartial, selfless, transparent and accountable in the discharge of their functions. These principles, he affirmed, will make them unique compared to private sector employees.

Presenting on “basic monitoring and evaluation tools”, Moses Bangura, Monitoring and Compliance Officer emphasized that monitoring tools are used to determine progress made by an organization in the implementation of projects. Mr. Bangura enhanced the participants skills on performance indicators and the framework within which effective, reliable and efficient monitoring is normally carried out.

On reporting corruption, Public Education Officer Magnus Bendu reminded civil servants that it is their civic and legal responsibility to report incidences of corruption. He told them the various methods and assured them of their protection.

Earlier, the Regional Manger ACC North Ibrahim A. Kargbo welcomed civil servants to the meeting and encouraged them to be willing enough to mainstream anti-corruption initiatives into their activities.

The meeting ended with a questions and answers session and was chaired by Augustine Ngobie, Public Education Officer, ACC North.

ACC Makeni

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