By Sylvanus Blake, Public Relations Officer, ACC.
The Zero Corruption Campaign (ZCC), a local and integrity-based institution poised to promoting transparency and accountability in the public space, on Saturday, 18th March, 2023, held its maiden National Integrity Awards ceremony, where the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), its Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., and Deputy Commissioner, Augustine Foday Ngobie were among the over ten public and private institutions and persons awarded in appreciation of their commitment and outstanding efforts in contributing to the national campaign against corruption, and general human development efforts.
On the Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala’s Award, it was inscribed; “In grateful appreciation and distinguished recognition of his outstanding and excellent leadership of Sierra Leone’s fight against corruption while on the Deputy Commissioner, Augustine Foday Ngobie’s Award it reads; “In appreciation of his remarkable effort in promoting the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone and on that of the Anti-Corruption Commission Award, it also reads; “In appreciation of its outstanding efforts and contributions to improving Transparency and Accountability in Sierra Leone”.
The awards ceremony which attracted several other institutions and individuals in recognition of their distinguished and diligent services to the public were held at the prestigious Family Kingdom Resort, Aberdeen in Freetown. Addressing awardees and guests at the event, the Executive Director, Zero Corruption Campaign, Elison John, stated that, their dream to organize a National Integrity Award was fueled by the clear observation of certain persons and institutions, whom they have been closely following over the period and can vouch that these persons have conducted themselves so far properly and in the best interest of the public. “These persons and institutions have manifested unimaginable commitment to the course of humanity, the fight against injustice, and the promotion of transparency. In a situation like ours, they deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated. This can motivate others to double up”, Elison averred.
He furthered that when ZCC forged formal partnership with the ACC some four years ago, it was with the aim to contributing positively to the fight against corruption, through community-led sensitization engagements. As young people, they believed that Sierra Leone’s development and prosperity were seriously constrained by the ravaging effects of corruption and that therefore; there was the urgent need to do something serious about it. “As young persons, we are the biggest victims of corruption and could well be the largest beneficiaries of a corrupt free Sierra Leone. Therefore, I continue to urge every young Sierra Leonean to come onboard the wagon. We can make the changes we want to see if we are involved”, he stressed.
Mr. John concluded by stating, the awardees were selected devoid of any biases, and based on the facts and data available. He stated that these were some of the fittest persons and institutions that they deemed worthy of the Awards. He urged them to continue to do their best, as in his words “after these Awards, the spotlight will be on you now more than ever before, and your integrity will come under more public scrutiny. I beseech you to not let us, the young people down”. He further stated that none of the awardees provided any form of incentives to be awarded.
Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala’s ever-vibrant and high-yielding approach towards the fight against corruption since his appointment in June 2018 is showcased in his bravery, commitment, and passion for ensuring a clean public space where public resources, revenue, and property are protected from selfish and greedy public officials. He has also reinforced the laws by successfully pushing for amendments in 2019, of the 2008 Anti-Corruption Act, hence providing him and the Commission the needed environment to carefully deal with suspected corruption cases.
During the tenure of Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., and Augustine Foday Ngobie, all surveys and assessments done within and without, by highly credible independent anti-graft institutions have continually reported significant progress and improvement in Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption campaign. The ACC and its leadership have received hundreds of laurels, accolades and awards-all a testament of the unprecedented, steady, and huge progress Sierra Leone continues to make over the past four years.
Frank Ocean once stated, “Work hard in silence, let success be your noise.” These recognitions and awards for the ACC have been the success that makes the most noise.
Prominent among the other recipients of the National Integrity Awards were; one of Sierra Leone’s finest journalists and reporters for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Umaru Fofana, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, both siting Members of the 5th Parliament of the 2nd Republic of Sierra Leone, Kadija Bangura of Radio Democracy 98.1, Andrew Lavalie of the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), Rashid Dumbuya Esq., of Legal Link, Samuel Wise Bangura of AYV Media Empire, Audit Service, Sierra Leone, and the Sick Pikin Project.
