By: Alhaji A.K Bangura, Senior Communications Officer ACC

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on 25th January, 2024 engaged the Informal Sector-the Kroo-Town Road Market Women on anti-corruption issues.

In his presentation and opening remarks, the Chairman of the Kroo-town Road Market Area, Abdulai Bah, thanked the ACC for the tremendous efforts in curbing corruption in Sierra Leone, noting the recent achievements made singling out the recovery of Eight Billion, Six Hundred Million (Old) Leones (Le8.6BN) from some corrupt individuals.

Giving a comprehensive overview of the work of the Commission, the Head of the External Outreach Unit, ACC, Al-Hassay Sesay, emphasised on the recent achievements made by the Commission ranging from the recoveries made from the Ministry of Finance and Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) to the Hon. Umar Paran Tarawally and his wife issues.

Mr. Sesay further encouraged the market women to partner with the ACC in the fight against corruption.  “A handsome reward will be given to whistle-blowers, and this is not the time to say "nor to me biznes" he averred.

Earlier, whilst dilating on the purpose of the engagement, Senior Communications Officer, Alhaji A.K. Bangura told the market women that the Commission deemed it prudent to take the fight against corruption to challenging places in order to solicit the support of the people.

He emphasized that the Commission is now paying keen attention to the informal sector, especially the market women who are often not well informed of the work of the ACC and the ill-effects of corruption on their welfare and well-being.

Speaking on the role of market women in the fight against corruption, Public Education Officer, ACC, Shiaka Kamara explained that they should make sure the products they sell to members of the public are genuine and of the correct quality. He further said that the public is concerned about the adulteration of palm and vegetable oil etc., which hinges on acts of wrongdoing that would amount to corrupt practices.

Further in his statement, he underscored that market women are very influential in their own domain as they have the capacity to create job opportunities for the youth and provide food security for citizens.

The women must resist any form of corruption and report any corrupt practices suspected, Mr. Kamara urged.

Martina George, Communications Officer, ACC, in her submission, explained to the market women the methods of reporting any suspected acts of corruption. She furthered that, “This fight is not a one man show. It's a collective exercise, as collective efforts make progress and produce results."  

Climaxing the engagement and on behalf of the Commission, the Head of External Outreach Unit, Al-Hassan Sesay presented ACC-IEC materials to the market women.