By: Shiaka Kamara – Public Education Officer, ACC
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on January 15, 2025, held an awareness raising engagement with beneficiaries of the World Bank-supported Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) project in and around Masiaka Town. The engagement, which took place at the residence of the Paramount Chief in Masiaka Town, is a continuation of the Commission's ongoing efforts to raise awareness on the rights, roles, and responsibilities of PSSNYE beneficiaries in ensuring transparency, integrity, and accountability in the project.
Welcoming the ACC, Section Chief of Masiaka Pa Alimamy Bomboli expressed his appreciation to the Commission for gracing his community with their presence. He highlighted the great strides the ACC has made in bringing transparency and accountability to projects in their communities, especially the PSSNYE project. He assured the ACC of their commitment to helping curb corruption
ACC’s Port Loko District Monitor, Salifu Kamara, said that the project is targeting vulnerable communities around the country, with special emphasis on the aged, youths, and women. Mr. Kamara admonished his audience to continue to support the ACC’s efforts to maintain integrity in the project.
Speaking at the engagement, Public Education Officer, ACC, Bernard Abass Kargbo, informed his audience of the benefits of the PSSNYE project, stating that “this phase of the project has provided cash to our old people, and this will help them to support their households.” He said the cash provided has had great success stories: “old people around the country have been helping themselves with this cash, some have started small businesses, others have repaired their houses, provided food for their families, the list goes on,” he stated.
While highlighting beneficiaries' roles and responsibilities in the project, Public Education Officer, ACC, Shiaka Kamara, said that the cash is to improve their lives and it should be used judiciously. “This money is provided by government and the World Bank to improve your lives and your dependants’ wellbeing. Please do not use it to gamble, start cases with others, or to put your children in secret societies. Rather, you should use it to do things that will bring development to you and your household,” he said.
A question and answer session climaxed the engagement.
