The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Office in Kono on 24^th May 2022, in a customized engagement admonished the National Council of Head Teachers (NaCoHT) in the District to resist, reject and report all forms of corruption, that continue to undermine the Free and Quality Education to the Commission.

The partnership meeting was part of the Commission’s public education drive to bring to light corruption offences in the learning sector and their negative effects on the growth and development of the nation.

The engagement which was held at the UMC Boys Primary School along Pimbi Lane in Koidu City attracted over forty (40) participants from within the Municipality and the District as a whole.

The ACC Senior Public Education Officer Kono, Sam P. Gogra while addressing the Head Teachers stated that the Commission has been partnering with various education sectors including the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and the Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (CPSS) in the District to craft strategies in minimizing corruption in the sector.

Mr Gogra further informed the gathering that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) values the education sector and the role played by the school authorities in keeping it viable, but however, registered his frustration in relation to the drastic drop in the standard as a result of sustained corruption in the sector.

He further expressed serious concerns over the many complaints from the public regarding illegal charges and extortion, including payments for report cards, assignments, tests and the misappropriation and embezzlement of government subventions and school fees subsidies among many other illegal happenings. ‘’ All of the above acts are corruption offences in the 2008 Anti-Corruption Act as amended in 2019 and any person found wanting will be severely dealt according to law ,’’ he emphasized.

Hawa Deen Conteh, ACC Public Education Officer Kono, in her statement referred to education as the bed rock of every society, adding that, any vice that tarnishes the outcome of the learning process must be fought collectively and aggressively by all stakeholders and well-meaning Sierra Leoneans.

She said that sustained public education including ‘Meet the Schools Campaign’ in the district has empowered the public and pupils to always call the toll free lines of 077-985985, 077-986986 to report solicitations and other offences to the ACC.

In his response, the Chairman of the Council in the District, Reverend Moiwah Bockarie Gandi also described teaching as a noble profession that needs to be respected by all Sierra Leoneans. He reported that there is a plethora of challenges with their Council. Nonetheless, he assured the ACC team that they will continue to provide the much need services required of them.