By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant – ACC

In a working visit across various beneficiary districts of the ongoing Emergency Cash Transfer Component of the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) project, Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Augustine Foday Ngobie, made a stop in Bo on Wednesday, 28th August, 2024.

Speaking to the Regional Team of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), the lead implementing agency, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the Commission's commitment to ensuring the project is implemented fairly and transparently. As a result, he furthered, the ACC has deployed project staff to execute the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) at every step of the program.

The Deputy ACC Boss also noted that his regular on-the-spot checks are intended to validate that the project is implemented without any encumbrances.

"We know that a significant number of people have been served under Component 1A, but the information and data we collect are essential for ongoing improvements, ensuring that other districts benefit equally," Mr. Ngobie underscored.

Aminata Vandi, Regional Coordinator, South, NaCSA, in her statement expressed appreciation for the Deputy Commissioner's visit and provided an update on the status of the ongoing SSN Component 1A payments under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, targeting the elderly. She acknowledged that many elderly beneficiaries face challenges due to the long distances they travel to receive their payments, but noted that plans are underway to establish a centralized payment system to address this issue. "At the commencement of the payment process, we recognized the distance challenge, but some beneficiaries, out of sheer necessity, made significant sacrifices to travel and collect their payments," she explained.

 

The NaCSA Regional Coordinator also highlighted that during last year's registration, alternate beneficiaries were included as some of the primary recipients were very old and had difficulty moving. "Some beneficiaries are 75 years and above, so provisions had to be made accordingly. However, communication remains a significant challenge, as some beneficiaries are unaware that payments are ongoing, although the majority have been paid," she disclosed.

Madam Vandi concluded by appealing to the ACC Deputy Commissioner to review the payment method to ensure the intended impact is fully realized.

District Coordinator, Bo, NaCSA, Charles Macarthy, reported that in Bo District 899 beneficiaries were enrolled, with 665 having been 'interfaced with': 563 paid, and 162 cases pending under the GRM.

He also noted that some beneficiaries have received their payments directly via their SIM cards and will need to reconcile these transactions with Orange, which holds exclusive access to this information.

Responding, Mr. Ngobie assured the team that the issues presented would be communicated and actions relating to their concerns would be monitored accordingly. "Whatever insights we gather, we share to ensure other districts also benefit," he concluded.

Each beneficiary under Component 1A receives 1,047 Leones, with 10 districts across the country currently benefiting from the program