ACC SIGNS MOU WITH YOUTH AGAINST CORRUPTION-SIERRA LEONE

The Anti-Corruption Commission and the Youth Against Corruption Sierra Leone (YAC-SL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) geared towards building stronger ties in the fight against corruption.

The signing ceremony took place on Friday 15th March, 2019 at the Conference Room of the ACC.

Speaking at the event, ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., praised YAC-SL for their enthusiasm in supporting the fight against corruption, noting that members of the organisation have proven their capabilities in standing by the Commission to support the anti-corruption campaign.

He said corruption affects young people in diverse ways, such as causing them unemployment, poverty and unfavourable living standards, and added that the fight against corruption should be embraced by all young people. “We know the fight against corruption is winnable, and we are pleased that more young people are showing commitment to partner with the ACC,” the ACC Commissioner noted.

The Deputy Commissioner of the ACC Shollay Davies welcomed members from YAC-SL to the Commission, noting that coalition building is consistent with Article 13 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008, to defeat the scourge of corruption. He said the ACC has always opened its doors to such partnership in a way that is not enjoyed by civil societies in some other developing countries.

In his statement, the Executive Director of YAC-SL Sheku Koroma described the event as a milestone, adding that it is a manifestation of the close ties his organisation has had with the ACC in supporting the fight against corruption. He said the organisation was set up because the membership recognised the commitment of the Government and the ACC leadership in controlling corruption in the country.

The Public Relations Officer of ACC Margaret Murray read the citation of the MoU, which provides, among other things, for the two institutions to “undertake activities mutually determined and agreed upon to contribute to the achievement of their common goals of promoting transparency, accountability and responsibility in public service.”

The appending of signatures to the MoU climaxed the event.