In its relentless efforts to ensure that Public Officers declare their income, assets and liabilities digitally, the Public Education and Outreach Unit of the ACC Regional Office in Kono on 31st January and 9th February 2022 organized two training sessions for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) at their 18 Sanssie Street Office in Koidu City.
Asset Declaration process requires public officers in grade 7 upwards and those below the said grade but with fiduciary responsibilities to declare as contained in the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019.
Welcoming participants to the training, the Regional Manager Hawanatu O. Kamara informed the representatives of the various institutions that the ACC has decided to go digital this time to reduce cost on the Commission, simplify and speed up the entire process. She said asset declaration is one of the fundamental tools the ACC relies on to detect and prevent corruption. “We (ACC) encourage you all to take the training seriously, follow the steps and declare your assets, income and liabilities immediately afterwards, as the deadline is 31st March, 2022 to avoid the wrath of the Commission,’’ She emphasized.
District Monitor, ACC Patrick Hinga George reminded the participants that though the online Asset Declaration is a novelty and prone to teething challenges especially with poor internet facilities, he however informed trainees of the consequences that will befall defaulters including, withholding of salaries, suspension from office, summary dismissals, and a fine of not less than Fifty Million Leones or a prison term of not less than five years or both fine and imprisonment.
In her power point presentation, Public Education Officer, ACC, Hawa Deen Conteh explained that the online declaration process starts with accessing the form through the ACC website; www.antcorruption.gov.sl. She furthered that, each public officer (declarant) should possess an email address, or a valid staff or NaSSIT identification card.
Investigations Officer Sahid Sowa, also supported Hawa Deen Conteh in facilitating the training.
The third and final phases of the training with another segment of the public officers will be on a later date.
