In ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of public funds, the Regional Manager, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Kono Office, Hawanatu Omotayo Kamara has disclosed to Chiefdom Clerks, Paramount Chiefs, members of the Chiefdom Development Committees in Kono, staff of the District Council and other stakeholders that, the Diamond Area Community Development Fund (DACDF) is a public fund and not meant to be squandered by any individual or groups of individuals.
This statement was made during the launch of the project approved for funding by the DACDF in Kono District on 31st August, 2024 at the Kono District Council Hall, in Koidu City, Kono District.
Making her statement, Mrs Kamara highlighted the mandate of the Commission in ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds. She added that the DACDF is a practical approach in ensuring citizens benefit from the natural resources in their communities and district, and aims to foster development, and improve the infrastructure and quality of life for the local residents in that particular area and other environs
The Manager emphasized on the importance of monitoring and furthered that the ACC will effectively monitor all the chiefdoms that received the 2021-2022 DACDF funds disbursed this year in order to ascertain accountability.
She further stated that Sierra Leone is a lawful country and that for so long the positive impacts of our mineral resources on our lives have been robustly questioned. Therefore, DACDF established by the Government of Sierra Leone is to ensure the proceeds generated from the licenses paid by miners directly benefit the communities from which they are extracted.
Manager Kamara also made it clear to the participants that the ACC does not have the mandate to question the Land owners and Paramount Chief on the Monies relating to the surface rent and as such they are not considered as public funds. She continued however, to state that, the District Council and Chiefdom Development rents are categorised as public funds and falls under the mandate of the Commission. “All public funds should be properly accounted for when called upon by the ACC”, the Manager averred
She issued a stern warning to public officials and chiefdom authorities to desist from any dubious activities during the implementation of all public projects tol ensure community empowerment and development. She urged the participants to report any forms of corruption to the Commission and reminded them of the whistle blowing policy and Reward Scheme for which the Commission will give 10 percent, to the whistle blower/informant consequent upon a successful recovery. She concluded that the chiefdom administrators should be vigilant and discourage illicit mining activities in their communities.
The Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma who officially handed over the projects to the chiefdoms informed the participants of the cost of each project. He underscored that public disclosure is rooted in the principles of transparency, accountability and community participation upheld by the Government of President Julius Maada Bio. Minister Koroma added that the DACDF was established by the Government of Sierra Leone in 2002 and stands as a testament to the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the communities benefit from the minerals extracted from their localities.
The Minister added that it is the expectation of the Government that the DACDF will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between resource extraction and community development. “ It is the belief that this initiative will not only bring tangible benefits to the communities but also inspire a sense of ownership and pride among our citizens” the Hon. Minister concluded.
