ACC Kenema Regional Office Holds Strategic Engagement with Kailahun District Council to Bolster Anti-Corruption Efforts

 

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), through its Kenema Regional Office, conducted a significant strategic engagement with the management and staff of the Kailahun District Council on Friday, September 6th, 2024. This crucial meeting, held at the Council’s Conference Room, was organized by the ACC’s Public Education Unit to align the Council with the Commission’s ongoing efforts to eradicate corruption in Sierra Leone.

Edward N. Blake, Senior Public Education Officer (SPEO) East, spearheaded the engagement by articulating the core purpose of the session, which is consistent with the ACC’s mandate: "To take all steps necessary for the prevention, eradication, or suppression of corruption and corrupt practices." Blake emphasized that this engagement is part of the ACC’s broader public education and outreach initiatives, aimed at instilling a culture of accountability and transparency in public institutions across the nation.

Blake highlighted the critical role of financial transparency and the responsible management of public resources within the Council. He warned that any form of mismanagement or misuse of public assets not only undermines effective service delivery but also erodes public trust in governmental institutions. He urged the Kailahun District Council staff to uphold their duties with integrity, ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently and solely for the benefit of the community.

In his address, Blake also made a fervent call to action, encouraging citizens, particularly public officials, to report any suspected acts of corruption. He reassured attendees that the ACC maintains strict confidentiality in handling such reports and that whistle-blowers are safeguarded under the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended in 2019.

Adding to the session’s gravity, Patrick Hinga George, ACC’s Public Education Officer-East, reiterated the Commission’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption. He stressed that those found guilty of corrupt practices would face serious legal repercussions, irrespective of their status or position. The penalties for corruption, George explained, could include a minimum fine of five thousand new Leones, imprisonment for a minimum of five years, or both, as determined by the judiciary.

George also reminded the Kailahun District Council staff of the district’s historical significance, referencing its unfortunate association with the nation’s civil war and the Ebola outbreak. He highlighted the role corruption played in these tragedies and urged the Council to work closely with the ACC in fostering a transparent and accountable governance structure to avert any future crises.

The engagement was well-received by the Kailahun District Council, with Chief Administrator Johnathan A. Combey expressing deep appreciation for the ACC’s persistent efforts in combating corruption. On behalf of the Council, Combey pledged to reinforce their collaboration with the ACC and to implement stringent measures that would ensure the ethical management of public resources within the district.

This strategic engagement marks a significant step towards strengthening the anti-corruption framework at the district level, with the ACC’s commitment to transparency and accountability serving as a cornerstone for Sierra Leone’s continued progress.