By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, ACC
In a significant engagement with Bloggers and Social Media Influencers across the country, Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., has urged for an apolitical posture in promoting the fight against graft.
The event which was held on the 20th November, 2024 in the Conference Hall at Dohas Hotel in Bo, saw over 100 Bloggers and Social Media Activists nationwide converged to be further empowered, inspired and charged to bolster their efforts in promoting the fight against corruption whilst reminded of the need for a non-political approach.
Making his address, ACC Chief commenced by commending the bloggers and activists for their unwavering dedication to the Anti-Corruption cause. He acknowledged their pertinent role in shaping public opinion and driving societal change through their various platforms.
However, he reminded them of the critical and sensitive nature of the Commission’s work, stressing the importance of having it completely divorced from any form of political insinuations and innuendoes.
Commissioner Kaifala urged the bloggers and influencers to be minded in their write-ups and online responses, especially when addressing issues relating to corruption and the work of the ACC. He furthered that the fight against corruption is integral to President Julius Maada Bio’s broader agenda for national development. “If you are standing with me and the Anti-Corruption cause, you must focus on the Big Five Game Changers because transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption which l lead are Integral to the success of President Julius Maada Bio's Agenda for Sierra Leone", he stressed, whilst noting that, there cannot be two opposing and competing Agendas.
The Director of Public Education and External Outreach Department, ACC, Patrick Sandi, earlier, whilst delivering the welcome address, underscored the significance of public education in the fight against corruption. He stated that public awareness is key to engaging more citizens in the national effort.
The Director further stated that the Commissioner had held numerous Town Hall meetings across major towns and villages in Sierra Leone, reaching out to communities and enlisting support for the cause in what was dubbed 'Meet the People's Tour".
This nationwide engagements Mr. Sandi added is part of the ACC’s strategy to educate the public and empower them to take an active role in the fight against corruption and this is the third engagement following similar ones previously held in Kenema and Freetown.
The Commission in fulfilment of its mandate in Section 7 Subsection 2 (o) of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 (as amended in 2019), is poised to ensuring that all groups and categories of persons are strategically engaged, empowered, and enlisted in the fight against corruption for the betterment and development of Sierra Leone.
