ACC takes mainstream ACC Policies in MDAs to Health Ministry

Freetown, May 13, 015 (MOHS) -“Corruption is bigger than not only misappropriation of government funds”- David Banya Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health and Sanitation. (Photo: Mr. David Banya Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health and Sanitation)

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Mr. David Banya has said in a joint meeting with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Food Security that corruption is bigger than not only the misuse of government funds but has other moral values connected with public reform. Such reform, Mr. Banya said is fundamental and must be looked into holistically. “You will be able to stop corruption when you know the true meaning of corruption”..Banya.

Participants in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation conference room

The Permanent Secretary was addressing officials from the ACC, senior staff of the Health Ministry, and the Agriculture Forestry and Food Security Ministry at Youyi Building on Wednesday May 13, 2015 at a Policy development meeting for Ministries, Department and Agencies with the formulation of Integrity Committees that would be working with the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Mr. Banya reiterated the need to fight corruption holistically, adding that the issue of mainstreaming Anti- Corruption Policies in MDAs is key for one’s integrity, be it financial, human resource or otherwise, the Permanent Secretary maintained is essential for the credibility of the institution and the individual.

He described the engagement with the ACC as laudable and looks forward for a resourceful partnership.

Making his remarks, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Food Security, Mr. Edward Kargbo described corruption as worse than Ebola, saying it destroys the very social fabric of society.

Mr. Edward Kargbo Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Food Security

He calls for a system that would handle corruption in a positive light for growth and national development, noting that corruption affects not only the individual but also the family.

Mr. Kargbo observed that the corruption rate has reduced in the country and lauded the Commission for the strides made in tackling corruption. He expressed the hope that the new package to mainstreaming Anti-Corruption Policies in MDAs would yield dividend.

The Director of the ACC Systems and Processes Review Department, Mr. Morris Williams told the meeting that the primary objective for the engagement is to build partnership to ensure that the ACC gets the desired support from MDAs in what it takes to influence the policy in question.

Mr. Morris Williams Director ACC Systems and Processes Review Department

He said their approach has nothing like mitigation or witch-hunt and craved for support at every point of cooperation to ensure the ACC ably assisted by the European Union and MDAs in achieving the desired goal.

Other highlights include discussions on the development of a Draft Policy and its validation, Operational Plans by MDA’s, formation of Integrity Committees and working group, Policy and Regulatory processes, Accountability, transparency and probity.

JAK/KK/MOHS/SLENA

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