The Director, Public Education and Outreach Department of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Patrick Sandi, on Friday, February 7, 2025, delivered lecture on the ACC Strategies to an energetic and youthful audience at the Peace Training Mission Center (PMTC) Hall, Rogbangba, Hastings. The lecturer formed part of this year’s orientation training of the seventh batch of National Youth Service Corps.
Introducing his lecture, Mr. Sandi provided abackground to the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to the Anti-Corruption Acts (ACA) 2000, 2008 as amended in 2019, from which the ACC derives its mandate. He informed his audience that, over the years the ACA has undergone a series of changes from minor amendments to repealing and replacing the entire document. “Before we discuss the strategies, it is always important and it is required by way of foundation, that you know what the ACA is and how it has evolved over the years”. He continued by explaining the evolution of the ACA since its establishment in the year 2000. “After its establishment, there were just a few amendments in 2002, but in the year 2008, the Act of 2000 was repealed and replaced”. He went on to state that “so in real effect when we now talk about the ACC, we no longer refer to the Act of 2000”. He also informed them that in 2019 there was also an amendment to the ACA, which is what the ACC is currently operating with.
Director Sandidilated on the powers that the different amendments introduced, “the ACC in 2008 was given the autonomy to take its matters directly to Court without recourse to the office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, asset declaration by public officials, and what also came out significantly was the increase in the number of offenses” he added.
Mr. Sandi outlined the various strategies employed by the ACC in tackling corruption, including, prevention, investigation, and prosecution. “In terms of Strategies, we are using two which are; the Commission’s Strategic Plan and Focus 2024-2026, the other one is, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-28”. He cautioned his audience not to confuse the two strategies as they both serve distinct purposes in the fight against corruption. He went furthered that the Anti-Corruption Strategic Plan is a three-year plan developed by the Commission, while the National Anti-Corruption Strategy is a five-year plan that is developed by experts/consultants through a nationwide wide-consultation. He highlighted some of the ACC's successes in recent years, such as the recovery of stolen funds and the prosecution of corrupt officials.
The audience listened attentively, asking questions and sharing their experiences, expressing their commitment to fighting corruption and pledged to working with the ACC in its strides to tackle corruption.
Closing, Mr. Sandi urged the youth to be vigilant and to report any acts of corruption they encounter to the ACC. He also encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities available to them, such as internships and volunteer programs, to gain experience and contribute to the fight against corruption.
The lecture was a resounding success, as the audience had a deeper understanding of the role of the ACC in the fight against corruption and the importance of youth involvement. The ACC looks forward to working with the National Youth Service Corps and other youth organizations to creating a more transparent, just, and accountable society.
