By Politico Staff writer
In an effort to create a common ground to openly discuss corruption and corruption-related matters with citizens, the Anti-graft Agency’s Boss, Francis Ben Kaifala on Thursday 11th March engaged traditional leaders and government functionaries in Falaba district.
In his keynote address to the stakeholders at Mongo Bendugu in Falaba, according to the report from its communication unit, the ACC commissioner said public engagement is an integral part of the strategies employed by the Commission in the fight against corruption. He added that the approach brings the Commission to the people, and provides a platform whereby the people in return can openly express their views on how the fight against graft can be better fought.
Reassuring his audience that the fight against corruption is still strong, Commissioner Ben Kaifala highlighted international indexes which have prestigiously placed Sierra Leone ahead of many other countries in fighting corruption, for example he said the country has jumped upwards 12 places in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, ahead of 31 other countries in Africa; the Afro Barometer Corruption Perception Survey of 2020, the Commissioner went on to note that corruption prevalence has dropped in the country from 70% in 2017 to 40% in 2020 adding that on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Scorecard, the country has moved up from 49% to an exponential score of 81%.
He added that the positive international appraisals have placed the country in a firm position to attract donors and investors who would help enhance economic opportunities to ensure better living conditions for all Sierra Leoneans.
He thanked President Julius Maada Bio for relentlessly supporting the fight against corruption as one of his cardinal programs, while he encouraged everyone in the meeting to consider the campaign against corruption as their civic responsibility and not just the President’s, his or any other citizen’s.
He assured the gathering that no part of Sierra Leone would be left behind in terms of development which, however, largely depends on corruption control level in the country. He, therefore, emphasized the critical role of reporting corruption by everyone, using the popular 515 line on either Orange or Africel network.
Regent Paramount Chief Sheku K. Jawara, pledged on behalf of his ‘peaceful’ Mongo Chiefdom that he would fully support the Commission in its campaign to defeat corruption. He forewarned all public officials in Fabala District to refrain from corruption and work in the interest of ‘the poor’. The P. C. also commended the government for its tough stance on eradicating corruption in the country and hopes that the President would succeed in his dreams for the citizens.
In his contribution, the District Council Chairman of Falaba District, Ibrahim K. Sesay, commended the work of the ACC, and stressed that one determined and patriotic generation would have to sacrifice and trigger a development trajectory in the country. He praised the Commission for its effective methods in curbing corruption, highlighting a functional ACC-supported Integrity Management Committee, which provides checks and balances in Council operations across the country.
He encouraged heads of Ministries Departments and Agencies as well as sector heads within his Council to desist from corruption and insist on delivering quality service to the public.
“It is important to note that corrupt public officials are liable to face the law and bring embarrassment to their families and loved ones,” he said.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online 15/03/21
