By: Amie Massaquoi, Information Officer
In commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on 8th December 2023, together with its partners, conducted a Health Walk from the Taylor Cummings Garden, Cotton Tree, to Motana Car Park, Aberdeen in Freetown. The local theme for this year’s commemoration is ‘National Health Walk against Corruption for a better Sierra Leone’.
In his welcome statement, the Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, thanked everyone present for their participation in the health walk. He acknowledged the role and support of partners and stakeholders in the fight against corruption. He said that commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day was to celebrate the gains made, raise more awareness and to also reflect on the way forward in the fight against corruption.
Mr Ngobie said that the Commission decided to commemorate IAC Day this year with a health walk in order to take the message to the streets and to hear the opinions of the general public. “This year’s IAC day is symbolic as it marks the twentieth anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC); therefore the reason behind this health walk is to encourage the public to bring ideas, messages which will help to take the fight against corruption stronger and better,” he said. Mr Ngobie commended the staff for their efforts and zealousness to show the public that the Commission is ever ready and with enough energy to fight corruption.
The Deputy Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), Jimmy Batilo Songa, in his statement, said that “NaCSA is always prepared to support ACC in the fight against corruption.” He expressed gratitude to the ACC for extending invitation to them to be part of such a remarkable occasion.
Mr Songa further said NaCSA and ACC have had a very smooth partnership for the past years and that ACC has always ensured that the implementation of NaCSA projects is always transparent and successful. He assured the ACC that they will do their best to ensure that NaCSA delivers their services in strict compliance with the law and best practices.
Director of IEC at the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Amadu Juana- Kamanda, thanked the ACC for holding such an event and for raising awareness on the dangers of corruption in the country. He pledged their support and willingness to work with the ACC particularly in the area of Assets Declaration.
Emphasizing on ACC’s collaboration with civil society groups, the Executive Director, Center for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), said ACC has achieved a lot it its work and the collective support, but was clear to say that, this in anyway does not suggest there is no more corruption in Sierra Leone. He commended the Commission for always commemorating this Day and registered his unflinching support to the fight at all times, as he is a member of the Expert Team currently crafting the 5th Generation National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS 2024-2028).
The International Anti-Corruption Day is celebrated every year on the 9th of December. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) commemorated with the theme “UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World against Corruption”. The celebration of this milestone in the fight against corruption brings about the reflection of the positive strides made by countries to tackle corruption and to continue to draw the attention of State-Parties on the dangers of the scourge.
