Northern Regional Manager of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has assured the people of Malone Village, Makump Section in the Kholifa Rowalla Chiefdom in Tonkolili District that the commission is committed to fighting against graft to improve the social and economic needs of all citizens, according to an ACC press release.
Speaking at an awareness raising meeting, Patrick Sandi said the ACC recognised the importance of people living in rural communities in the fight against corruption hence soliciting their support.
He said people or organisations might want to take advantage of the remoteness of the village to exploit them and involve in corrupt practices which he said was why the ACC was making serious interventions. “If ACC does not come to inform you about your roles and responsibilities regarding the fight against corruption, you will be deprived of basic social amenities by corrupt individuals and organizations” Sandi said.
He said that for the lives of citizens to improve and Sierra Leone to develop, it would depend on the effectiveness of ACC, and called them to support the Commission.
He decried the misuse of school fees subsidy and Girl Child funds by some head teachers and principals which he said was impeding the improvement of education in the district. He warned against corruption in the free health care initiative, chiefdom administration, local courts, market places and some sectors of the communities which he said was a hindrance to the development of the chiefdoms and the country.
ACC’s Senior Public Education Officer, Al-Hassan Sesay said the engagement was meant to raise awareness about the role of locals in the development of their chiefdoms and to change negative perceptions about corruption.
Headman of Malone Village, Pa Issa Lakoh appreciated ACC’s efforts in taking anti-corruption messages to rural areas. He assured the Commission of their fullest cooperation to enhance transparency in the chiefdom and reporting corrupt practices.
(C) Politico 04/03/14
