The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday 13th June 2024, held an Outreach Meeting with the Funkia Community in the Western Area Rural District. The meeting which attracted Stakeholders and residents of the community, took place at the Community Center in Funkia.
Speaking at the engagement, Head of Outreach Unit, ACC, Al-Hassan Sesay, informed participants that the Commission’s fight against corruption is a war that can only be fought and won with the support of all and sundry, underscoring, it accounts for the Commission’s intervention into communities to solicit theit support, and encourage them to resist, reject, and report all forms of corruption.
Mr. Sesay highlighted the 8.6 Million (New)Leones recovered recently from corrupt individuals, stressing that such monies were meant to address the needs of Sierra Leoneans but were embezzled by a few individuals. He also informed the community about the status of some high-profile cases investigated by the ACC and the outcomes of some that have been concluded.
Senior Communications Officer, ACC Alhaji A. K Bangura dilated on some of the damaging effects of corruption, urging residents to take proactive steps in efforts to combat the scourge.
ACC’s Communications Officer, Hawa Deen Conteh in her statement said that the Commission has been using different channels such as Radio and Television to enlighten the public on its work, adding that community outreach is one such critically important platform that affords the Commission the avenue to interact with people. “This does not only help us in getting necessary feedback but also provides the forum for us to know how corruption issues are negatively affecting our communities,” she noted.
Martina George, Communications Officer, ACC, provided Africell toll-free lines of 8515, 077-985-985 and 077-986-986, which she charged the people to use to report any suspected instances of corruption, assuring them of confidentiality and protection against any reprisal whatsoever, which might ensue.
She further urged the community people to enquire from their local authorities about any developmental projects that come to their community and monitor their implementations.
Earlier, the Tribal Chief, Pa Alimamy Thula Bangura whilst welcoming the ACC, stated that the engagement was timely and that it was the first time the Commission had ever visited their community to hold such a meeting under the leadership of Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Esq.. He noted his delight adding that the meeting will help them learn about the work of the Commission and how they can support its work for the development of their community and the country as a whole.
