By: Martina George, Communications Officer, ACC
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), through its Public Education and External Outreach Department, has concluded a week-long sensitization exercise, targeting beneficiaries of the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) project in the North-East regional districts of Bombali, Tonkolili, Falaba, and Koinadugu.
The engagement, which ran from the 14-19 April 2025, focused on enlightening beneficiaries about the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) component of the PSSNYE project, which is jointly funded by the World Bank and UNICEF. The sensitization sessions were held at the Bombali Bana Community Centre in Bombali, Rowalla Community Barray in Magburaka, Tonkolili, Sinkunia Town Hall in Falaba, and Bendukura Community Barray in Kabala, Koinadugu.
The outreach attracted a diverse group of beneficiaries including traders, farmers, carpenters, and bricklayers, many of whom expressed their gratitude to the ACC for bringing the much-needed information to their communities. Welcoming the ACC team, residents sang and danced, acknowledging the Commission’s impactful role in the previous Social Safety Net (SSN) project and expressing optimism for the current program.
Al-Hassan Sesay, Head of the Outreach Unit, ACC, who led the team, provided an overview of the PSSNYE project, outlining the responsibilities of beneficiaries and the Commission’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in the project’s implementation.
“ACC’s role is to ensure that the project is executed smoothly and that funds serve their intended purpose,” he stressed. Quoting the Krio adage, "Way u eye see, u yais yeri, u mot for tok", he encouraged beneficiaries to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting any irregularities or acts of corruption.
Communications Officer, ACC Martina George, spoke on the importance of reporting corruption and how beneficiaries can safely do so. She reminded participants that the funds received should be channeled towards improving their lives whether through starting small businesses, sending children to school, or investing in shelter. She emphasized that knowing one’s rights and responsibilities is essential for sustaining the integrity and success of the project.
Ms. George further encouraged beneficiaries to report any form of malpractice including extortion by community stakeholders or project partners through ACC’s toll-free line 8515, mobile numbers 077-985-985 / 077-986-986, or via the ACC website: www.anticorruption.gov.sl or in person at ACC’s regional offices located in Bo, Kenema, Port Loko, Kono, Makeni and Freetown.
In their testimonies, several beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the World Bank, the ACC, NaCSA and the Government of Sierra Leone for ensuring inclusivity, highlighting that the PSSNYE project supports not only the elderly but also youth and women. They appealed for the project to be expanded to include more beneficiaries.
The sensitization forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to ensure citizens’ engagement, community ownership, and sustained accountability in social protection and development projects across Sierra Leone.
