ACC partners with CSOs in fight against corruption in Bo
Media Foundation for Development Sierra Leone has joined the fight against corruption in Bo, Southern Sierra Leone. It comes following days of heightened Pay No Bribe (PNB) public campaigns organized by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
ACC Manager South, Samuel Marah, said the Commission looks forward to receiving more civil society organizations with shared interest in addressing corruption which affects the lives of bulk of Sierra Leoneans. He said the task is huge and requires support from CSOs who directly work in the interest of the public.
The 2014-18 National Anti-Corruption Strategy stresses the importance of partnership and collaboration in tackling graft. Since CSOs are central to the governance of the state in initiating and designing development programme that address poverty and under-development, partnership with them places the Commission at a vantage position in tackling mis-procurement, misappropriation of public funds, and bribery.
ACC believes CSOs are critical organs in providing checks to administrative excesses, ensuring transparency and accountability, and monitoring government programme and projects, Mr. Marah furthered.
Senior Pubic Education Officer, Alimamy Lahai Kamara, said CSOs are vital in seeking public interest in education, health, and governance; and in defending their right for the enjoyment of the said social utilities. He said the Commission continues to enjoy a comfortable relationship with CSOs including NGOs, INGOs and CBOs, whose works touch on the livelihood and dignity of individuals.
The Commission has struck partnership with over thirty CSOs operating across the country. The focus is to build a strong force with committed partners in tackling graft and working to alleviating poverty.
Public Education Officer Joseph Hazeley said, the Commission welcomes Media Foundation for Development Sierra Leone, while stressing the importance of upholding and maintaining integrity in public and private lives.
Chairman for CSOs in the South said, they exist purely to advocate the interest of the public, defend their rights, and monitor policies and programs of Government to ensure they cater for the wellbeing of the public.
CSOs also implement programs on their own with support from either local or international donors, and are expected to account on the use or expenditure of the resources. They are obligated to comply with the principles guiding their operations and also with the Anti-Corruption laws.
Media Foundation for Development Sierra Leone comprises journalists and individuals interested in development. It was formed in 2014 with the objectives of increasing quality journalism in the media landscape in Bo district, and advocating a better livelihood for the poor. Chief Executive Officer Aruna Kamara said, they are also interested in the fight against corruption – a menace that undermines the rule of law, heightens inequality, shatters aspirations, and slowly kills the individual. He said they look forward to productive partnership with the ACC.
By: Alimamy Lahai Kamara
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