Of its drive to curb graft… ACC Assures CEI in Kono
Of its drive to curb graft… ACC Assures CEI in Kono
Of its drive to curb graft…
ACC Assures CEI in Kono
In a bid to fostering solid and active partnership with various players in the fight against graft, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Regional Office Kono has, on 27th February 2023, assured Members of the Community Emerging Issues (CEI) Organization, a Civil Society Outfit, of its untiring efforts in curbing the plague–corruption, in the district and the country as a whole. This assurance was made in an engagement held at the District Office in Koidu City.
Establishing the purpose of the meeting, the Regional Manager Hawanatu Omotayo Kamara stated that, the Commission is partnering with both formal and informal organizations in order to make sure that the fight against corruption is consolidated. She added that the meeting is consistent with the International Anti-Corruption Day 2022 commitment, with the theme; the Involvement of Persons with Disabilities and the Informal Sectors in fight against corruption. She furthered that the fight against corruption can only be won with the support of all spheres of society.
Manager Hawanatu underscored that corruption affects every facet of life and the need for all and sundry to be involved cannot be overemphasized. She continued that with all the mineral and other resources the country has, endemic corruption is the primary cause forestalling its required growth. She therefore urged the members to commit their unreserved support to the Commission by reporting corruption occurrences to the ACC through it various reporting channels. Hawanatu assured the participants of the Commission’s readiness to collaborate and work with their entity based on their high level of credibility and uncompromising posture.
Senior Public Education Officer ACC, Sam P Gogra informed participants that the Commission under the leadership of Francis Ben Kaifala has made significant gains in the fight against corruption. He added that, the Commission is still highly commended for its people centered approach, noting that, partnership and public enlightenment are fundamental portals in winning the fight. He also highlighted that the Regional Office is reaching the nook and cranny of the district to educate, sensitize and propagate to all the activities of the Commission.
Mr. Gogra catalogued several offences in the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019 including, bribery, misappropriation of donor funds, conflict of interest, abuse of office, etc. He also encouraged them to be reporting suspected corruption offences by using the toll free lines- 077-985985/ 077986986 or in person at the Commission’s office, at No. 18 Sanssie Street, Koidu City.
He assured his listeners that, the Commission places high premium on the protection of whistle blowers and witnesses; stating that “the greatest asset in the fight against corruption is a whistle blower”.
In his response, the Coordinator of CEI, Thomas Sahr Kettor, expressed his delight for the engagement, noting that, their organization has been working with vulnerable groups of people in society. He furthered that their organization started as a thrift club and due to its huge successes graduated to a civil society organization. He said the meeting has given them additional zeal to be reporting corruption and refraining from it as well.
He ended by assuring the ACC of their continued support in combating corruption out of the district thereby making it a better place for everyone.
