The Regional office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Kono has on Wednesday, 6th March, 2024, held a partnership meeting with the Girls Empowerment Network on partnership and collaboration in the fight against corruption in Kono district. This meeting was held at the Commission’s regional office at Sanssie Street in Koidu.
Welcoming the executive and members of the organisation, ACC’s Regional Manager in Kono, Hawanatu O. Kamara, expressed gratitude to the organisation for taking the vital step of joining the national fight against corruption. She highlighted some of the activities of the Commission, such as the ‘Meet the school’ campaign, the establishment of integrity and accountability now clubs in schools and colleges, community and partnership meetings, radio discussion programmes, etc.
“Integrity, transparency and accountability are important values every institution should mainstream in their work place, she said. The manager continued that Integrity is one of the key attributes one has to attain in order for one to gain public trust, and reminded them of some credible institutions in the district the Commission has partnered with in the fight against corruption. As your organisation comprises mainly young school pupils, it is prudent that you speak up against corruption within your schools, communities and among your peers,” she said.
In his presentation, ACC’s Senior Public Education Officer in Kono, Sam P. Gogra, extended his appreciation to the organisation for the engagement and appealed that they continue to support the Commission and serve as whistle-blowers by reporting corruption related matters in schools, communities and public offices for appropriate actions. He assured them that the Commission has in place all mechanisms to reward and protect whistle-blowers and witnesses who give cogent information to the Commission.
Public Education Officer, Kono, Patricia J. Sannoh, made an appeal to the youth to refrain from immoral conducts that could undermine the integrity and credibility of their institution.
On how to report corruption to the ACC, she said members of the public could make use of the toll free lines of 077-985985 and 077-986986 or report in person to the Commission’s regional office. She also highlighted some of the gains made by the Commission under the leadership of Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Esq.
Earlier in the meeting, the president of Girls Empowerment Network, Esther Grace Saquee, gave a brief background to the establishment of their organisation, stating that the organisation was formed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of academic malpractices in schools, teenage pregnancy, early marriage and child bearing, sexual harassment and domestic violence, among others. She applauded the Commission for such a wonderful engagement and assured the Commission of their fullest support at all times.
