By: Amie Massaquoi, Information Officer
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on 24th November 2023, warmly welcomed pupils and staff of the United Brethren Academy, Main Motor Road, Congo Water Wellington, who paid a learning visit to the Commission’s Integrity House, Tower Hill, in Freetown.
Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, expressed his profound joy to the principal, pupils and their teachers for their interest to learn about the Commission and its activities. He said that the thirst for the children to learn about corruption and how to prevent it shows how dedicated they are to national development, as the fight against corruption is a collaborative effort. “The interest of these children in fighting corruption should not be interfered with as their future depends on it,” he said.
Mr. Ngobie said the role of the ACC is to lead the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone and went further to highlight the different operational Departments of the Commission; Prevention, Public Education, Intelligence and Investigation, Prosecution, and their roles in the fight against corruption. These Departments, he said, are the instruments used by the Commission to fight corruption and maintain transparency and accountability in public offices.
The ACC Deputy Commissioner asked them a series of questions about corruption which the pupils cleverly answered. He admonished the pupils not to engage in corruption, violence or drugs in their school.
The Agt. Principal of the United Brethren Academy, Edward J. Charles, who also led the pupils on the field trip, said the motivation behind the field trip was to see the Integrity House, but most of all to learn about issues of corruption and the offences. “We believe that knowledge is power and therefore, this field trip will help the pupils to build on their career aspirations,” further adding that being in such an environment will serve as motivation to study and work harder to chase their dreams. Mr. Charles also said the geographical location of the Integrity House, being surrounded by other prominent public offices will expose the pupils to know the locations of these offices for future references.
Representatives of the various Departments including, Michael Sesay, Andrew Demby, Wilfred J. Bangura and Emmanuel Y. Musa elaborated on the work and activities of the ACC.
The field trip ended with a tour of the Commission, with the Director of Public Education and Outreach, Patrick Sandi, taking the pupils and teachers to every Department to meet with the Heads for better understanding of their roles.
