By: Patrick Hinga George, Public Education Officer, ACC
The Kenema Regional Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), through its Public Education Unit, on 6th September 2024, held a strategic engagement with the management and staff of the Kailahun District Council at the Council's Conference Room.
Explaining the purpose of the meeting, Senior Public Education Officer (SPEO) East, Edward N. Blake, emphasized that the visit was aligned with the Commission’s mandate: “To take all steps necessary for the prevention, eradication, or suppression of corruption and corrupt practices.” He added that the session was part of the Commission’s robust public education and outreach efforts, aimed at enhancing the fight against corruption at all levels of Government and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency across Sierra Leone.
Mr. Blake highlighted the importance of financial transparency and the proper use of public resources by public institutions. He underscored that any mismanagement or misuse of these resources significantly and negatively impacts service delivery, urging Council staff to ensure that public funds and assets are utilized efficiently for the public good.
SPEO Blake also urged all citizens, particularly public officials, to report any instances of corruption, reminding them that reporting corrupt activities is a civic duty. He reassured the staff that such reports are treated with strict confidentiality and that whistle-blowers are protected under the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended in 2019.
ACC’s Public Education Officer-East, Patrick Hinga George, reinforced the ACC’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption, emphasizing that offenders, irrespective of their statuses or positions, would face legal consequences. He outlined the penalties for corrupt practices, which include a minimum fine of five thousand new Leones, imprisonment of at least five years, or both, as would be determined by the Judges.
Mr. George further reminded the staff of Kailahun’s historical significance, noting that the district has been an entry point for some of the country’s most tragic events, including the 11-year civil war and the Ebola outbreak. He stressed that corruption was a significant factor in the civil war, urging the staff to collaborate with the ACC in promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity to prevent similar tragedies.
Earlier, the Chief Administrator (CA) of Kailahun District Council, Johnathan A. Combey, welcomed the ACC team and commended their relentless efforts in fighting corruption-a national menace.
On behalf of the Council, Mr. Combey pledged to strengthen collaboration with the ACC and implement measures to ensure ethical management of public resources.
The engagement concluded with a plenary session.
